Loyola University Medical Center Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Loyola University Medical Center offers a rigorous training program designed for those seeking to specialize in surgical critical care. This program operates within a comprehensive environment that is characterized by advanced medical practices and patient care in a high-acuity setting.

Overview

Loyola University Medical Center is a flagship institution with 547 licensed beds, renowned for its Level I Trauma Center and a diverse array of surgical specialties. The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is a one-year, fully accredited program aiming to develop surgical intensivists. Trainees benefit from exposure to a complex patient population and engage in collaborative patient care with a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including surgical residents, nurse practitioners, and clinical pharmacists. As fellows progress through the training, they are supported in transitioning into leadership roles while providing comprehensive care for critically ill patients with acute surgical needs 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum complies with ACGME requirements and includes extensive hands-on experience in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). Fellows will spend nine months in the SICU, working with a diverse patient census that can range from 10 to 25 patients at a time. Clinical responsibilities involve patient management, leading trauma activations, and performing bedside procedures such as tracheostomies and bronchoscopies, alongside those with more extensive surgical interventions 1.

In addition to the SICU experience, fellows will have the opportunity to engage in three months of elective rotations based on individual interests, such as Anesthesia, Burns, Cardiovascular ICU, and Medical ICU. The program also encourages research participation that may lead to publication and contributions to various quality improvement initiatives 1.

Rotation Structure

The rotation structure within the fellowship includes diverse elective options. These rotations allow fellows to explore additional areas of interest that complement their training and career goals. Elective options include:

• Anesthesia
• Burns
• Trauma
• Cardiovascular ICU/ECMO
• Medical ICU
• Pediatric ICU
• Research and Prehospital/EMS

Research opportunities exist within the fellowship framework at the Burn and Shock Trauma Research Institute, which focuses on both clinical and laboratory investigations relevant to traumatic injury and burns 1.

Conferences and Education

Academic enrichment is a vital component, with a series of lectures, rounds, and journal clubs that promote continuous learning. Schedule highlights include daily multidisciplinary bedside rounds, a core critical care lecture series, and monthly performance improvement meetings focusing on trauma management outcomes 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Loyola Medicine is highly competitive. Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency and must be eligible for board certification. For international medical graduates, Loyola Medicine is capable of sponsoring J-1 visas, thereby facilitating opportunities for qualified candidates outside the U.S. 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, the application must include:

• Three letters of recommendation
• A personal statement
• ABSITE scores
• USMLE, COMLEX, or ECFMG scores

All applicants must be registered with the National Resident Matching Program for the fellowship 1.

Benefits

Fellow benefits include a comprehensive health plan, retirement enrollment, and disability insurance. Financial compensation follows a graded salary scale from PGY-1 to PGY-7, with increases in salary corresponding to fellow progression 1.

Through this fellowship, fellows not only gain clinical expertise but also develop as educators and leaders in surgical critical care, preparing them for successful careers in this critical field of medicine.