Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-approved training program dedicated to the development of leaders in academic surgical critical care. This program admits one fellow per academic year and is designed to provide an intensive clinical and educational experience, equipping fellows with the skills necessary to excel in surgical critical care. Successful completion of the fellowship meets the requirements for obtaining the Certification of Added Qualifications in Surgical Critical Care from the American Board of Surgery 1.

The fellowship encompasses various clinical experiences through rotations that include thoracic, vascular, and hepatobiliary surgery. Additionally, there is an opportunity for international rotation, allowing fellows to broaden their perspectives by working with diverse patient populations 1.

Program Objectives and Goals

The main goal of the fellowship is to provide comprehensive training in multiple facets of surgical critical care. The curriculum includes a thorough understanding of the cardiopulmonary systems, monitoring, medical instrumentation, and the pathophysiology associated with various conditions impacting hemodynamic stability, such as types of shock and cardiac arrest. Fellows are trained to utilize advanced technology, including echocardiography and ultrasound, to optimize patient care 1.

Furthermore, the fellowship covers essential subjects such as fluid and electrolyte management, renal function, metabolic and nutrition management, and infection control within the critical care environment. Each fellow is expected to instruct junior residents on these critical practices, ensuring comprehensive educational experiences for both fellows and residents 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship’s curriculum is designed to provide in-depth instruction through both clinical practice and academic study. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Cardiopulmonary Systems: Understanding hemodynamic monitoring and resuscitation techniques.
• Fluids and Electrolytes: Managing complex fluid shifts and initiating appropriate therapies.
• Infection Management: Antimicrobial therapy selection and management of hospital-acquired infections.
• Neurological Assessment: Managing traumatic brain injury and associated complications.
• Special Patient Populations: Understanding the unique needs of obstetric, pediatric, and multi-trauma patients.

Fellows are also involved in clinical research projects that contribute to their academic development and help advance the field of surgical critical care 1.

Application and Admission Requirements

To apply for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, candidates must have completed at least three years of training in an ACGME-accredited general surgery, neurosurgery, urology, or obstetrics and gynecology residency program. Applicants must demonstrate an established ability as educators, which is an essential component of the fellowship 1.

The application process requires submission through the Surgical Critical Care and American College of Surgeons Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). Qualified applicants are evaluated on their clinical skills, research experience, commitment to education, and potential contributions to the field of surgical critical care 1.

Competitive Environment

The fellowship at Penn State is competitive, seeking candidates who demonstrate exceptional clinical competence and educational capability. The program is friendly to both DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMGs (International Medical Graduates), encouraging a diverse cohort of fellows from various backgrounds and training experiences 1.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa support for qualified international applicants, including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This aspect ensures that interested fellows from abroad can participate seamlessly within the fellowship framework 1.

Institutional Support and Resources

Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is recognized as a comprehensive healthcare institution, featuring a 611-bed flagship teaching hospital with a designated Level I trauma center. It serves as the principal training site for this surgical critical care fellowship. The institution also maintains well-equipped surgical and intensive care units with a diverse array of clinical cases, which enhances the learning environment for fellows 1.

The medical center’s commitment to faculty development and research enables fellows to engage in significant scholarly activities, contributing to advancements in surgical critical care and allied disciplines. Resources such as the Doctors Kienle Center for Humanistic Medicine and wellness initiatives underscore the program's focus on holistic training and support for residents 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

Penn State Health emphasizes diversity and promotes an inclusive environment for all residents and fellows. Institutional resources support the recruitment of diverse candidates and offer networking opportunities to enrich the educational experience. The fellowship faculty and administration actively participate in diversity initiatives to foster an equitable learning atmosphere conducive to growth and development 1.