OhioHealth Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at OhioHealth Grant Medical Center offers a comprehensive one-year ACGME accredited training program designed for physicians pursuing expertise in the management of critically ill trauma and surgical patients. The fellowship is situated in one of Ohio's busiest adult Level 1 Trauma Centers, which features 49 critical care licensed beds and serves as a tertiary care center for over 50 counties across Ohio and neighboring states. Each year, the program accepts two fellows, ensuring a focused, high-acuity training experience.

As a fellow, you will engage in a structured curriculum that emphasizes both robust clinical exposure and progressive responsibility in handling critically ill and injured surgical patients. The program is supported by a team of ten board-certified surgical intensivists, offering a rich blend of experiences in both urban and rural clinical settings. Training occurs in a high-volume hospital where fellows encounter a diverse range of surgical conditions and learn advanced surgical critical care skills essential for effective patient management.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum balances mentored and fellow-directed practice, focusing on developing both technical skills and leadership capabilities. Fellows will be responsible for the placement of arterial lines and chest tubes, airway and ventilator management, and will receive supervision and mentorship throughout their training journey. Core objectives include:

• Administration and leadership in a critical care unit, including appointing, training, and supervising specialized personnel.
• Evaluating new patients with traumatic injuries and conducting pre-operative assessments for surgical trauma patients.
• Post-operative follow-up for trauma patients and performing minor outpatient procedures.
• Leading teaching initiatives for managing critically ill surgical patients.
• Performing critical evaluations of pre-hospital care, triage, and rehabilitation outcomes following surgical interventions.

Rotation Opportunities

In addition to Grant Medical Center, fellows rotate through other OhioHealth facilities, including Riverside Methodist and Mansfield Hospitals. This exposure broadens fellows’ experience in various clinical environments and enhances learning opportunities.

Surgical Skills Development

The fellowship emphasizes hands-on surgical skills development, allowing fellows to assist in and perform various surgical procedures under close supervision. A comprehensive skills checklist is employed to ensure that fellows achieve proficiency in essential procedures before completing the program.

Research and Scholarly Activities

OhioHealth Grant Medical Center encourages active participation in research and quality improvement initiatives. Fellows have access to dedicated faculty members who support their scholarly pursuits. Activities include:

• Weekly lectures, morbidity and mortality conferences, and small discussion groups.
• Involvement in quality improvement projects tailored to hospital needs.
• Participation in IRB-approved research that may lead to presentations or publications.
• Preparation for oral or poster presentations at events such as OhioHealth Research Day.

Mentorship and Professional Development

A key component of the fellowship is mentorship, where each fellow is matched with a faculty mentor who provides personalized guidance in various domains, including engagement, leadership, and research skills. This relationship fosters professional growth and enhances the fellows’ ability to navigate their careers effectively.

Fellow Well-Being

OhioHealth prioritizes the well-being of its fellows, promoting a healthy work-life balance. There are several supports in place, such as:

• Three weeks of paid vacation.
• A free on-site fitness center membership.
• Onsite, no-cost parking.
• Access to employee assistance programs to aid in personal and professional issues.

Application Process

The selection process for the fellowship is competitive, focusing on a comprehensive review of the application materials, reference letters, interviews, and assessments from the selection committee. Specific key features regarding competitiveness, application requirements, and visa support or sponsorship details are integral to understanding the overall landscape of the fellowship opportunity.