St Joseph's University Medical Center Program

St. Joseph’s University Medical Center, located in Paterson, New Jersey, offers a prestigious one-year Surgical Critical Care Fellowship that provides an in-depth experience within a high-volume, tertiary care medical center. With a capacity of 650 beds and housing the fifth busiest Emergency Department in the United States, the program prepares fellows to handle complex surgical care in critical conditions, supported by over 5,000 dedicated healthcare professionals and a robust infrastructure.1

The Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center has 12 beds and recently recorded over 9,000 admissions in a year, reflecting the program's intensity. The unit operates within a modern Critical Care Building and is supplemented by various surgical specialties including open-heart, vascular, thoracic, bariatric, hepatobiliary, breast, and general surgery. Moreover, the hospital serves as a state-designated, American College of Surgeons verified Level II trauma center, receiving approximately 1,300 trauma cases annually, which enriches the fellowship training with diverse clinical scenarios.1

Program Mission and Goals

The mission of the fellowship is to deliver a comprehensively structured cognitive and procedural education, enabling fellows to become competent critical care surgeons capable of treating seriously ill surgical patients and fostering a commitment to lifelong learning. The educational structure aims to refine the skills necessary for managing multiple surgical and medical challenges faced by critically ill patients, understanding the pathophysiology of critical illnesses, and applying an interdisciplinary treatment approach for successful outcomes.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to provide a rich clinical experience with progressive advancement to independent practice in surgical critical care. Fellows will rotate for ten months in the SICU and will spend the remaining month in both the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Cardiac Thoracic Intensive Care Unit (CT-ICU). Throughout the academic year, fellows engage in daily bedside teaching rounds, weekly didactic sessions, a twice-monthly critical care journal club, and multidisciplinary conferences occurring bi-weekly.2

Opportunities for professional development are abundant, including attendance at professional conferences and potential certification as Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) instructors through courses offered at the medical center.2

Benefits and Work Environment

The fellowship offers several benefits, including four weeks of vacation, twelve paid sick days/holidays, health and dental insurance for fellows and eligible dependents, as well as professional liability insurance and flexible spending accounts. The compensation for a PGY-6 fellow is competitive, with a salary of $68,162.3

Application Process

To apply for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-approved surgical or anesthesia residency prior to starting the fellowship. Exceptional candidates with two to three years of residency may be considered, provided they have a guaranteed surgical residency position afterward. Applicants who have completed five years of residency training must obtain a New Jersey medical license before clinical activities can commence.4

Competitiveness and Visa Sponsorship

The fellowship program is competitive, seeking highly qualified candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their training. It welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including US graduates, DOs, and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program offers visa sponsorship for fellows requiring work authorization to participate in the training, typically providing support for J-1 or H-1B visa types depending on eligibility and circumstances.5

Faculty and Staff

The fellowship is staffed by a team of nine board-certified critical care surgeons, who are dedicated to guiding fellows through both clinical care and teaching rounds. The faculty's experience and involvement in direct patient care support a learning environment rich in mentorship and collaborative practice.3