Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program

The Rutgers Health/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Program in Surgical Critical Care offers a comprehensive fellowship designed to train physicians in advanced critical care medicine with particular emphasis on surgical patients. This program is pivotal for aspiring fellows looking to gain adeptness in managing critically ill surgical patients and providing exceptional care in high-stakes environments.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship consists of an extensive educational and clinical training framework that spans the three years of training. Each year is structured with increasing levels of responsibility, focusing on various aspects of surgical critical care, including trauma, cardiothoracic, and general surgery patients.

Fellows are involved in comprehensive clinical rotations that include the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Trauma Critical Care, and consultations within various surgical subspecialties. The program provides fellows with a solid foundation in the principles of critical care medicine while also offering opportunities to engage in various surgical procedures pertinent to critical care management.

Clinical Rotations

The healthcare environment emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration through rotations across multiple facilities, including Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and associated sites for surgical and trauma care. This allows fellows to gain exposure to a wide variety of cases and receive training in different critical care settings.

Specific rotations include:

• Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU)
• Trauma Intensive Care Unit
• Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit
• Consultation for general surgical patients

These rotations ensure fellows acquire hands-on experience in managing complex cases that require a multifaceted approach to treatment.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in various clinical research projects that explore the latest advancements in surgical critical care. They have protected research time during their second year, allowing them to collaborate with faculty mentors on ongoing studies or initiate their own. Research areas may include but are not limited to:

• Clinical outcomes in surgical patients
• Innovative techniques in critical care
• Patient safety and quality improvement initiatives

Participation in research not only enriches fellows' training but also prepares them for academic and leadership roles in the future.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This program prides itself on providing a unique educational experience that combines robust clinical training with opportunities for research and leadership development. Some distinguishing features include:

• Emphasis on a multidisciplinary approach to patient management, enhancing teamwork and communication skills essential for high-stakes health care.
• Access to state-of-the-art facilities and mentorship from experienced faculty members renowned in their respective fields.
• An active involvement in committees aimed at improving surgical outcomes and patient care quality.

The diversity of training opportunities within surgical critical care prepares fellows for well-rounded careers in academic, clinical, or research settings.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

The program has specific requirements for applicants, including:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in General Surgery or a related specialty
• Passing all three steps of the USMLE
• Board certification or eligibility
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director
• A personal statement outlining the applicant's goals and interests in surgical critical care

Foreign Medical Graduates should possess a valid ECFMG certification. The program mainly sponsors J1 visas, with no H1-B sponsorship available.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse array of candidates from various backgrounds. The program is notably welcoming to DO candidates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs), fostering an inclusive environment that values comprehensive training and unique perspectives among fellows.

Benefits and Support

Fellows receive a competitive salary aligned with the Graduate Medical Education standards, along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, paid time off, and funds for educational activities and conferences. This support ensures that fellows can focus on their training and professional development.