Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science (Rochester) Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Mayo Clinic's campus in Rochester, Minnesota, is a comprehensive one-year program designed for those seeking to specialize in managing critically ill surgical patients across all surgical subspecialties. The fellowship encompasses extensive hands-on training and a robust educational framework.

Curriculum

The curriculum of the fellowship is structured to ensure a well-rounded clinical education. Clinical training includes required rotations that span ten months in addition to two months of elective opportunities. The core rotation, spanning seven to nine months, takes place primarily within the trauma and general surgical intensive care unit (ICU). Additional required rotations include one month in the cardiovascular surgical ICU and one month in the vascular and thoracic ICU. Fellows can also select from various elective rotations, which may include nephrology ICU, pediatric ICU, burn care, echocardiography, among others. This diverse exposure prepares fellows to competently manage a wide range of surgical problems encountered in critically ill patients.1

Rotation Schedule

A typical rotation schedule ensures fellows receive varied experiences, with call frequencies tailored to each rotation. The organization adheres to the standards and recommendations set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).3

Research and Didactic Opportunities

Fellows who are interested in academic careers are encouraged to participate in research opportunities, with resources and advisors available to facilitate their projects. The program also emphasizes didactic training, featuring clinical conferences, journal clubs, one-on-one instruction, and formal courses, including Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Advanced Trauma Life Support. Additionally, fellows attend national critical care meetings to further enrich their educational perspectives.3

Application Process

Each year, two positions are available within the fellowship, selected on a competitive basis. Applicants must have completed a fifth year of general surgery residency, and specific eligibility provisions are in place for those applying as a PGY-3. The application process is facilitated through the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS), harmonizing the efforts across multiple fellowship programs. Interested candidates must register with the Specialties Matching Service (SMS) and are invited for personal interviews to assess suitability for the program.2

Unique Aspects

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship stands out due to its strong focus on education over service, ensuring that fellows are always advancing their learning and skillset. Each fellow is paired with a faculty mentor throughout their journey, aiding in career progression and fulfilling educational needs.3

Visa Support

The program offers visa support options for qualified international applicants. The types of visas commonly sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, which allow international medical graduates to pursue training in the United States while complying with immigration requirements.1

Faculty and Mentorship

The faculty members involved in the fellowship have impressive credentials, with multiple board-certified surgeons focusing on trauma, critical care, and general surgery. They actively participate in educational conferences and provide ongoing mentorship throughout the fellowship duration. Visiting professors also enrich the experience by conducting lectures and engaging with fellows, ensuring that trainees have access to a wide range of experts and perspectives.4

Competitiveness

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Mayo Clinic is highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to present a solid academic record and relevant surgical experience. As the program has a two-position limit per year, applicants are advised to prepare thoroughly to enhance their chances of acceptance.2