Jun 17, 1999
Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program
Overview
Overview of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship
The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship offered by the Medical College of Wisconsin is an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accredited program that spans one year. The fellowship offers multiple track options, including a one-year SCC only track, a one-year pediatric SCC track, and a two-year combined SCC and Acute Care Surgery fellowship. A significant portion of the fellowship year is conducted at Froedtert Hospital, which hosts a 21-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) with over 1,700 admissions annually. This environment provides a breadth of experience managing diverse surgical pathologies and proficiency in various bedside procedures such as percutaneous tracheostomies, chest tubes, bronchoscopy, and point-of-care ultrasound.
1Rotations and Clinical Experience
During the fellowship, trainees not only spend time at Froedtert Hospital but also have opportunities to rotate through other critical care settings. The fellows may spend time in the cardiovascular intensive care unit, which offers exposure to mechanical circulatory support and ECMO management. Rotations also include engagements at the Zablocki Veterans Medical Center and the neuro intensive care unit at St. Luke’s Medical Center, a major community hospital. This variety ensures a well-rounded experience in surgical critical care.
1Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Track
The two-year Acute Care Surgery Fellowship begins with a year dedicated to the Surgical Critical Care fellowship and is followed by an ACGME accredited second year, which focuses on trauma and complex emergency general surgery. In the second year, fellows participate in a variety of rotations, including vascular surgery, thoracic surgery, and transplant surgery. A highlight of this program is the opportunity for international experience at a trauma center in Panama City, allowing fellows to gain insights into global surgery practices.
1Educational Structure
The educational component of the fellowship is substantial, with dedicated didactic sessions through 'Fellow Fridays', where fellows gather to engage in educational activities, lectures, and discussions. These sessions are multidisciplinary, featuring faculty from various specialties including critical care, surgery, emergency medicine, and more. Additional informal lectures, known as 'Blood and Coffee', provide a platform for discussions about interesting cases and career development. Monthly journal club meetings allow fellows to review significant research papers relevant to surgical critical care.
1Research Opportunities
The fellowship places a strong emphasis on research. All fellows are encouraged to engage actively in research projects and are expected to start a quality improvement project during their training. The trauma department conducts bi-monthly research meetings where fellows can present and discuss new ideas. Fellows are also supported in attending a national trauma or critical care conference each year.
1Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program provides visa support for International Medical Graduates (IMGs), typically sponsoring J-1 visas, which are ideal for fellows seeking training in the United States. The selection process is competitive, welcoming applications from both DO and IMG candidates, as the program aims for a diverse and skilled cohort. Specific application requirements may include considerations such as year of graduation from medical school and limitations on the number of failed STEP examinations.
1Benefits and Employment
Fellows in the Surgical Critical Care fellowship are employed by the Medical College of Wisconsin and Affiliated Hospitals (MCWAH), which provides a comprehensive benefits package. The structure also includes a faculty appointment for the second-year Acute Care Surgery fellows, which entails increased levels of responsibility and opportunities for shaping the trauma program's direction.
1Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
3 (1 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: January 15, 2026)
Composition
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:8.3X [1]
Residents Career Path
--
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $79,310 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 70 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
9 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
9 Publications (5 yr)
Trauma Video Review: Tube Thoracostomy Placement in Hemodynamically Stable versus Unstable Patients.
Clinical Impact of an Expanded MOUD Access Initiative for Patients Hospitalized With Infections From Intravenous Opioid Use.
Location
Milwaukee, WI [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
Living in Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee, WI, offers a unique living experience with a mix of urban and suburban lifestyles. Here are some key aspects to consider:
Crime Rate and Safety
Milwaukee has some areas with higher crime rates, so it's important to research neighborhoods before choosing a place to live.
Fun Activities
Milwaukee is known for its vibrant arts scene, breweries, cultural events, and beautiful Lake Michigan waterfront.
Climate
Milwaukee experiences four distinct seasons, with cold winters and warm summers. Be prepared for snowy winters.
Races and Population
Milwaukee is a diverse city with a significant African American population. The city also has a growing Hispanic community.
Education
Milwaukee has several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Milwaukee is relatively affordable compared to other major cities, making it attractive for residents.
Proximity to Other Cities
Chicago is about 90 miles away from Milwaukee, which can be reached by a 1.5-2 hour drive. Chicago offers big city amenities and diverse opportunities.
Pros
- Affordable cost of living
- diverse cultural scene
- proximity to Lake Michigan.
Cons
- Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates
- harsh winters.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Surgical critical care Programs Near Milwaukee, WI
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4425621010
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=050XX00US55079
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr