Inspira Health Network/Inspira Medical Center Vineland Program

Critical Care Fellowship Overview

The Critical Care Fellowship at Inspira Medical Center Vineland in New Jersey is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in medical school and residency education. This program aims to equip physicians with the necessary skills to excel as critical care specialists. Upon completion of the fellowship, graduates will be prepared for advanced patient care roles, academic opportunities, or other specialized positions, as well as eligibility for board certification in critical care.

With accreditation from relevant medical authorities, the fellowship offers an extensive array of training that emphasizes hands-on clinical experience. Successful candidates will learn to deliver high-quality care in a setting where positive patient outcomes are prioritized, facilitating competency in various intensivist roles.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the Critical Care Fellowship is robust and designed to support the professional development of fellows. Trainees benefit from experienced faculty and have access to numerous resources in South Jersey. The program includes weekly didactics, clinical experiences, guest lecturers, and opportunities to engage in procedure labs and simulation center activities.

The curriculum encompasses the latest advances in intensive care medicine with a focus on patient safety and innovative technologies. Fellows receive instruction in clinical patient management and a comprehensive array of both invasive and non-invasive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. This includes training in procedures like bronchoscopy and point-of-care ultrasonography, as well as exposure to mechanical circulatory support and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).

Clinical Rotations

Fellows partake in a variety of clinical rotations throughout the program. Rotations include:

• Medical Intensive Care Unit
• Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit
• Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit
• Trauma Intensive Care Unit
• Anesthesia
• Echocardiography
• Nephrology

In addition to core rotations, fellows have the opportunity to pursue electives such as Cardiology, Interventional Cardiology, Advanced Heart Failure, Infectious Diseases, and Quality Improvement and Research.

Longitudinal Experiences

The fellowship includes longitudinal educational experiences which foster practical knowledge and prepare trainees for independent practice. Key components of these experiences include:

• Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
• Research methodologies
• Simulation training
• Morbidity and Mortality training
• Journal club
• Shock rounds
• Management rounds

Inspira Committees

Inspira fosters professional development through participation in various committees. Fellows are encouraged to engage in initiatives such as the Critical Care Committee, Code Blue Committee, Sepsis Committee, Graduate Medical Education Committee, and several other focused teams aimed at improving patient care and education.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The required documentation includes:

• Undergraduate and graduate medical training information
• Official medical school transcript
• Program Director's letter
• Two to three letters of recommendation
• Official USMLE/COMLEX scores
• A personal statement focused on critical care interest

Fellowship Stipends and Support

The fellowship offers a monthly meal stipend of $100 in addition to an annual salary that starts at $66,788.80 for the first year (PGY4) and increases to $69,243.20 in the second year (PGY5).

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for fellows, specifically sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visa types, which allows international medical graduates to complete the fellowship and gain valuable training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Critical Care Fellowship is known to be highly competitive due to the comprehensive training and career development opportunities it presents. The program values diversity in its applicants and is friendly towards candidates from DO and IMG backgrounds. While there are no explicit maximum limits on failed STEP exams, it is advisable for candidates to present a strong application profile within the context of their entire educational history.