McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Adult Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is a one-year program accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This fellowship focuses on developing specialists in surgical critical care through extensive clinical training and educational experiences.

Clinical training incorporates diverse rotations at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which includes the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Cardiothoracic/Transplant Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), Neuro-Sciences Intensive Care Unit (NSICU), and Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Additionally, fellows have opportunities to engage in elective rotations in various specialties such as Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Echocardiography, Hospice & Palliative Care, and more. Each elective rotation is designed with clear educational goals approved by the ACGME, ensuring its value in the fellows' learning journey 1.

Program Features

One of the distinguishing features of the fellowship is the creation of “Individualized Learning Plans.” These plans are tailored to accommodate each fellow's specific professional goals and career aspirations. Furthermore, the program promotes interdisciplinary learning and provides immersive experiences across multiple critical care units, enabling fellows to manage various critical illness scenarios effectively. Northwestern's reputation as a leading academic medical center enhances the educational experience, with access to numerous sub-specialties and comprehensive patient care opportunities 1.

Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a prestigious 894-bed academic hospital renowned for its outstanding clinical care. This facility boasts at least 115 ICU beds and serves as a primary teaching affiliate for the Feinberg School of Medicine, housing nearly 1,900 affiliated physicians across various specialties. The hospital is frequently recognized among the top healthcare institutions nationally, ranking highly on various lists of best hospitals in the country 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is comprehensive, designed to prepare fellows for independent practice as specialists who are not only clinically adept but also leaders in the field. The curriculum incorporates standards set by prominent organizations, including the Society of Critical Care Medicine and the Surgical Critical Care Program Directors Society 1.

Fellows participate in various educational events throughout the fellowship, including bedside multidisciplinary rounds, morning reports, critical care core curriculum series, journal clubs, simulation series, and morbidity and mortality conferences, all of which are critical elements to their learning experience 1.

Research and Quality Improvement

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects relevant to the field of critical care, aimed at advancing clinical practice and enhancing patient outcomes. They will also participate in quality control initiatives to meet institutional and national quality benchmarks. These activities are aimed at fostering advances in surgical critical care and establishing high standards of patient safety 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is supportive of international medical graduates and can sponsor various visa types, including J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible for qualified applicants from around the globe. The fellowship program has a competitive application process, primarily targeting individuals who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in general surgery and have successfully passed the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Steps 1, 2, and 3 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit their application materials through the SCC and ACS Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). Required documents include a curriculum vitae, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (including one from the program director), ABSITE scores, and USMLE scores. Candidates should be aware of specific eligibility requirements to ensure compliance with the application process 1.