Old Dominion University Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University is an ACGME-accredited one-year program designed to train future leaders in the field of surgical intensive care. The program emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach and prepares fellows through hands-on experience, academic rigor, and research opportunities.

Curriculum

The curriculum at the program encompasses a variety of learning opportunities and clinical rotations. Weekly, monthly, and quarterly educational activities include:

• Lectures by full-time faculty and visiting professors presenting multidisciplinary approaches to surgical patient care.
• Case presentations that detail complications and mortality in patients, fostering a deep understanding of critical care.
• A monthly journal club where fellows critically analyze relevant journal articles, promoting evidence-based practice.
• Core and elective rotations that include experiences in burn trauma, anesthesia, and various Intensive Care Units (ICUs), among other specialties.

This structured educational framework aims to prepare fellows to manage comprehensive patient care, interpret invasive monitoring data, and engage in the latest research and treatment strategies in surgical critical care 1.

Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows receive training at some of the most advanced facilities in the region. The main training site, Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, is home to the only Level I trauma center in the area, featuring specialized units such as the burn trauma unit and a leading heart program recognized nationally 1. Additionally, fellows gain pediatric experience at Children's Hospital of The King's Daughters, the only freestanding children's hospital in Virginia, which is a Level I trauma center for pediatrics and known for its advanced neonatal care 1.

Visa Support

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program provides visa support for international medical graduates. The program sponsors the J-1 visa, which is commonly used for exchange visitors in medical education. This assistance ensures that eligible international candidates can successfully apply for the program and focus on their training without visa-related concerns 1.

Application Process

A single fellow is recruited each year for the program. Eligible applicants should possess an MD or DO degree from an accredited school. International Medical Graduates must have an equivalent degree recognized by the World Health Organization and must also hold a Standard Certificate from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). A minimum of three years of residency training prior to application is required 2.

The application must be submitted through the National Residency Matching Program along with necessary documents, including a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores. Candidates are evaluated based on their interview performance, letters of recommendation, and their stated interests in surgical critical care 2.

Stipend Rates and Benefits

For the 2024-2025 academic year, fellows can expect a stipend of $70,644 as a Post Graduate Year (PGY) 4 trainee, with the possibility of increased compensation for PGY 6. The fellowship offers numerous benefits, including:

• Two long white coats with personal embroidery and an educational allowance of $300 for books and materials.
• Meals during on-call shifts, professional conference attendance reimbursement, and access to medical libraries.
• Paid membership to the American College of Surgeons and the Association of Women Surgeons for qualifying residents.
• Comprehensive leave policies that include sick, parental, and educational leave, ensuring a supportive work-life balance during training 3.

Support and Work-Life Balance

The program prioritizes the well-being of fellows, providing access to wellness resources similar to those available to faculty and staff. Initiatives include support groups, counseling services, and wellness activities to foster a healthy work-life balance throughout the fellowship 1.

Competitiveness

Acceptance into the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program is highly competitive. The selection process involves a thorough evaluation of academic performance, research interests, and personal interviews to identify candidates who demonstrate motivation and integrity. The program welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants, aiming to create a rich and inclusive training environment 2.