Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU Health) Program
Location:
Portland, ORSpecialty:
Critical care medicine (Anesthesiology)ACGME Code:
0454012077Overview of the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program
The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) is a premier program designed to train physicians in the subspecialty of critical care within anesthesiology. This fellowship provides comprehensive training in the management of critically ill patients, incorporating advanced technologies and multidisciplinary approaches to improve patient outcomes.
Curriculum
The curriculum is structured to encompass a range of clinical experiences, research opportunities, and didactic education. Fellows will engage in rigorous clinical rotations that cover core aspects of critical care such as surgical, medical, and neurological intensive care unit management. The educational framework emphasizes both procedural skills and the development of critical thinking necessary for effective decision-making in high-pressure environments.
Clinical Rotations
During the fellowship, a significant portion of the time will be spent in various intensive care units (ICUs). These include:
- Surgical ICU - Focused on postoperative care of surgical patients.
- Medical ICU - Management of complex medical cases requiring intensive monitoring and therapeutic interventions.
- Neurocritical Care Unit - Specialized care for patients with neurological emergencies.
- Cardiac ICU - Managing critically ill cardiac patients with advanced cardiac life support techniques.
- Trauma ICU - Attention to patients with traumatic injuries and multisystem failure.
Fellows will also participate in interdisciplinary rounds and collaborate with various specialists including pharmacists, nutritionists, and social workers to optimize patient care.
Research Opportunities
The program promotes a robust research culture, encouraging fellows to participate in clinical research projects that advance the field of critical care medicine. Research opportunities include health outcomes, new therapeutic modalities, and quality improvement projects. Mentorship from experienced faculty will guide fellows in developing their research capabilities.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the distinguishing features of the OHSU program is its commitment to a comprehensive educational experience without compromising on clinical exposure. Other unique aspects include:
- Access to the latest technologies and innovations in critical care.
- A focus on inter-professional education, allowing fellows to learn alongside nursing, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy colleagues.
- Opportunities to engage in community outreach and education focused on critical care topics.
Training Sites
The fellowship takes place across several high-acuity care facilities affiliated with OHSU, providing fellows with diverse clinical experiences and exposure to various patient populations. Training sites include:
- OHSU Hospital - A leading academic medical center with state-of-the-art facilities.
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Offering care for veterans and their unique medical needs.
- Providence Portland Medical Center - A community hospital providing additional training resources.
Visa Support
The program is supportive of international medical graduates and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified candidates. This facilitates a welcoming environment for fellows from diverse backgrounds.
Competitiveness
The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at OHSU is a highly competitive program. Candidates with strong academic records, excellent clinical skills, and a demonstrated commitment to critical care may find their application more favorable. The program embraces both MD and DO applicants, and is also friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs), seeking to broaden the fellowship cohort.
Application Requirements
Prospective fellows must fulfill specific application requirements, which may include:
- Completion of an accredited residency in Anesthesiology.
- A maximum of one failed USMLE Step exam is typically acceptable.
- Recommendations from faculty familiar with the applicant's clinical and academic performance.
- Submission of a personal statement highlighting why the applicant is interested in critical care medicine.
These factors contribute to a rigorous selection process, ensuring that only the most qualified candidates are accepted into the fellowship.
Website
Director
Alan J Kovar, MD, MBAAssociate Professor, Program Director Appointed Since May 2021Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$72,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
28XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Portland, OR
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Portland, OR
- Crime Rate and Safety: Portland has a mix of safe neighborhoods and areas with higher crime rates. Like any city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions.
- Fun Activities: Portland is known for its vibrant food scene, craft breweries, outdoor activities like hiking and biking, and cultural events such as music and art festivals.
- Climate: Portland has a mild climate with plenty of rain and moderate temperatures. Summers are generally dry and warm, while winters are wet and cool.
- Races and Population: Portland is known for its diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities, contributing to its rich cultural scene.
- Education: Portland offers quality education with schools and universities known for their academic excellence.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Portland can be moderate to high, with housing costs being a significant factor.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Seattle, WA is approximately 3 hours away by car from Portland, offering a larger urban center with more amenities and job opportunities.
- Pros: Vibrant cultural scene, outdoor activities, diverse population.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, mixed safety ratings in different neighborhoods.
Interview Questions
