Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School Program
Location:
Newark, NJSpecialty:
Surgical critical careACGME Code:
4423321049Overview of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship
The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Rutgers Health/New Jersey Medical School is structured to provide comprehensive training for board-eligible or board-certified surgeons. The program comprehensively covers all facets of care for severely injured and critically ill surgical patients, allowing fellows to obtain advanced skills for either academic or clinical pursuits. The fellowship implements an educational approach characterized by graduated responsibility, enabling fellows to evolve from learning critical care management techniques to assuming leadership roles during critical care rounds as the primary provider.
1Clinical Responsibilities and Rotations
Fellows engage in significant clinical responsibilities, which include trauma surgery, neurosurgical critical care, cardiac surgery critical care, and a rotation in the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU). Successful candidates are expected to have completed an ACGME-approved residency in General Surgery prior to the commencement of the fellowship. The first-year fellowship entails 6 to 7 in-house calls per month along with responsibilities spread over two weekends each month. Additionally, there is an opportunity for fellows to extend their training by choosing to enter a second year in the Acute Care Surgery Fellowship.
1Training Environment and Facilities
The core teaching hospital, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, is a 610-bed facility recognized as an ACS verified Level 1 Trauma Center and serves as an essential tertiary referral center for cardiac, vascular, and neuroscience services. Each year, the trauma service manages over 2,600 level one trauma alerts, with many involving penetrating injuries. Meanwhile, the critical care service treats more than 1,100 critically ill patients annually. The fellowship's faculty consists of seven full-time, fellowship-trained trauma surgeons dedicated to delivering high-quality education and mentorship.
1Research Opportunities
There is robust support for clinical and basic science research within the program, encouraging fellows to engage actively in scholarly activities. The program offers an environment conducive to research, presenting fellows with unique opportunities to contribute to advancing surgical medicine.
1Application Requirements
To apply for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, candidates must utilize the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). Applicants are required to submit a current curriculum vitae and three letters of recommendation. Importantly, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in General Surgery to qualify. The program director oversees the selection process, and further specifics about the application procedures are clearly outlined on the program's dedicated pages.
1Visa Support
The program provides sponsorship for visas, which is crucial for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to participate in the fellowship. Typically, the program is able to sponsor H-1B and J-1 visa types, allowing eligible applicants to pursue their medical training in the United States.
1Competitiveness and Candidate Profile
The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is recognized as a competitive program attracting a diverse group of candidates. While it has a strong reputation, it is considered to be friendly to both DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). However, applicants should be aware of the specific prerequisites regarding their year of graduation and limits on the number of failed STEP exams as these can impact eligibility.
1Website
Director
Ziad C Sifri, MDProfessor of Surgery Appointed Since November 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
70hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$89,521First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Newark, NJ
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Newark, NJ
Newark, NJ is a city rich in history and culture. Here are some aspects to consider about living in Newark:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Newark has a reputation for having a higher crime rate compared to other cities. While efforts have been made to improve safety, it's important to be vigilant.
- Fun Activities: Newark offers a variety of cultural attractions, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The city is home to the Newark Museum, New Jersey Performing Arts Center, and Prudential Center.
- Climate: Newark experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow in the winter months.
- Races and Population: Newark is a diverse city, with a population that includes a mix of African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian residents.
- Education: Newark is home to several universities and colleges, including Rutgers University and New Jersey Institute of Technology.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Newark is relatively high compared to national averages, especially in terms of housing costs.
- Proximity to Major Cities: Newark is approximately 9 miles from New York City, which can be reached in about 30-40 minutes by car (depending on traffic). New York City offers additional opportunities for entertainment, dining, and cultural experiences.
- Pros: Cultural diversity, proximity to New York City, educational opportunities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate, higher cost of living.
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