Louisiana State University School of Medicine Program
Location:
New Orleans, LASpecialty:
Surgical critical careACGME Code:
4422113090The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the Louisiana State University Health Shreveport is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare surgical critical care intensivists through a combination of educational and clinical experiences. The program offers two fellowship positions each year, with a focus on comprehensive training that aims to teach, heal, and discover in the realm of surgical critical care.
Program Mission and Curriculum
The fellowship is anchored around three pillars: Teach, Heal, and Discover. These goals emphasize the importance of developing outstanding clinicians who can manage critically ill patients effectively while also engaging in educational endeavors and scientific inquiry. The program is structured to provide fellows with a high volume and variety of surgical pathology, offering a hands-on approach to learning and skill enhancement in surgical critical care settings.1
The curriculum entails a multifaceted education strategy, including:
- Patient-centered bedside learning, which emphasizes the practical application of theoretical knowledge.
- Weekly topic-based conferences covering critical care management, trauma, and ethics.
- Morbidity and Mortality conferences to review complex cases and improve patient care delivery.
- Monthly journal clubs focused on landmark papers in critical care, enhancing fellows' ability to evaluate and apply evidence in practice.
This structure empowers fellows to engage actively in their learning process, culminating in a graduate capable of high-level clinical decision-making and leadership in surgical critical care.
Rotations and Clinical Experience
Fellows undergo a diverse series of rotations throughout the fellowship year, including required rotations in:
- Surgical ICU
- Neuro ICU
- Critical Care Ultrasound
- Trauma ICU
In addition to these core rotations, elective opportunities enhance the educational experience, allowing fellows to tailor their training to their career goals. Electives may include specialties such as Anesthesia, Burn, and Interventional Radiology, facilitating a broader learning experience within the context of surgical critical care.2
Training Sites and Facilities
The Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport Academic Medical Center serves as the primary training site for the fellowship. This 407-bed facility is recognized as the only American College of Surgeons verified adult Level 1 Trauma Center in north Louisiana, making it a critical site for trauma activations and intensive care. With a significant number of trauma admissions annually, fellows are assured exposure to a high-acuity patient population.3
Recent advancements in facilities include the opening of a new Center for Medical Education, equipped with state-of-the-art training labs and simulation suites, contributing to an environment aimed at high-quality education and patient care.
Application and Eligibility Details
Applicants to the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship must be on track to complete or have completed an ACGME-accredited General Surgery Residency program. Applications are processed through the Surgical Critical Care Program Directors Society's application service. Each application undergoes rigorous review to ensure a fair selection process, free from biases regarding personal identity factors.1
Interviews are conducted virtually, and selected applicants will receive details regarding the interview processes closer to the date.2
Benefits and Salary Structure
Fellows are offered a competitive salary, starting at $68,584 for PGY-VI level and $81,200 for PGY-VII and higher levels. Additional benefits include a tiered meal plan, comprehensive health insurance options, and professional liability coverage provided by the state of Louisiana. Further, access to essential medical resources and library services enriches the fellow's educational experience. On-call quarters and parking arrangements are provided to facilitate a supportive environment for house officers.3
Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The program is known for being inclusive and supportive of diverse backgrounds, making it receptive to applications from a wide array of candidates, including international medical graduates. Visa sponsorship is available for J-1 and H-1B visa types, ensuring that qualified candidates from around the globe may pursue this fellowship opportunity.
Website
Director
Patrick Greiffenstein, MDProfessor of Clinical Surgery Appointed Since July 2024 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,320First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
New Orleans, LA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, LA, promises a vibrant and culturally rich living experience for residents. Here's a breakdown of living in this location:
- Crime Rate and Safety: New Orleans has a higher crime rate compared to the national average. While some neighborhoods are safer than others, it's essential to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
- Fun Activities: Known for its lively music scene, delicious cuisine, and Mardi Gras festivities, New Orleans offers endless entertainment options. Residents can enjoy jazz performances, explore historic French Quarter, and indulge in local Creole and Cajun dishes.
- Climate: New Orleans has a subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Be prepared for high humidity levels during the summer months.
- Races and Population: New Orleans is a diverse city with a mix of various races and cultures, contributing to its unique charm and cultural richness.
- Education: New Orleans is home to several higher education institutions, including Tulane University and Loyola University, offering educational opportunities for residents.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in New Orleans is relatively lower compared to other major U.S. cities. Housing costs vary depending on the neighborhood, with more affordable options available in suburban areas.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: New Orleans is located about 90 miles away from Baton Rouge and 335 miles from Houston, making it fairly accessible by car. Baton Rouge is approximately a 1.5-hour drive, offering a change of scenery and additional amenities.
Considerations: While New Orleans is vibrant and culturally rich, it's important to be mindful of the higher crime rate in certain areas and the humid climate during the summer months. Residents should explore different neighborhoods to find a suitable living environment that meets their preferences and safety concerns.
Interview Questions
