Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a rigorous two-year ACGME-accredited training aimed at developing proficiency in both the basic and clinical aspects of critical care medicine. This program is particularly designed for graduates of internal medicine residency programs who aspire to become experts in managing critically ill patients.

Program Overview

The program places a strong emphasis on fostering master physiologists, critical thinkers, expert diagnosticians, and exceptional teachers among its fellows. Through a combination of formal lectures, practical learning, and interactive discussions, fellows are mentored to cultivate a deep understanding of physiology and evidence-based medicine, which serves as the backbone of their training 1.

Training Sites

The primary training sites are Froedtert Hospital, a large and respected 536-bed tertiary care facility, and the Zablocki VA Medical Center, which is recognized as one of the premier VA clinical sites in the U.S. The program features a closed 26-bed Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) at Froedtert and an 18-bed MICU at the VA, providing fellows with vital hands-on experience in various settings 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

Fellows will engage in various ICU rotations, including Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit, Neurointensive Care Unit, Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit, and Transplant Intensive Care Unit during their elective time. The curriculum is meticulously structured to ensure extensive procedural training, which includes simulations and bedside supervision for procedures such as central and arterial line placements, bronchoscopy, and the management of mechanical life support systems like ECMO 1.

Didactic Training

The fellows undergo core educational experiences in their initial months, focusing on critical care topics like ventilator management and hemodynamics. A dedicated weekly conference provides an additional layer of protected educational time, where fellows can engage with faculty and guest lecturers on critical care and related topics 1.

Research Opportunities

Throughout their fellowship, participants are encouraged to engage in research activities associated with the Divisions of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine. The fellowship offers protected research blocks during the second and third years, promoting opportunities for abstracts and manuscripts, often culminating in presentations at national conferences 1.

Teaching Responsibilities

The program prides itself on a commitment to education, with fellows expected to take active roles in teaching medical students and residents. The faculty's dedication to mentoring and pedagogical development is a noted asset of the fellowship 1.

Visa Support

The program is welcoming to international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. J-1 visa candidates need sponsorship through the ECFMG, ensuring a pathway for qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply and train in this crucial medical field 1.

Application and Competitiveness

The fellowship typically selects 1-2 fellows per year and adheres to the ERAS application process. Applicants are expected to provide substantial documentation, including recommendation letters and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The program is known for being highly competitive and values diverse experiences, welcoming DOs and IMG applicants 1.

Special Application Requirements

Additional special application requirements include the necessity for applicants to be no more than three years removed from graduation, and any applicants who have failed the STEP exam do not have a maximum failure policy stated, which reflects a degree of flexibility in the selection process 1.