Stony Brook Medicine/University Hospital Program

The Surgical Critical Care fellowship at Stony Brook University is a comprehensive program recognized for its excellence and accredited by the ACGME and the American Board of Surgery. The program is situated within Stony Brook University Hospital, a tertiary care center that serves as the only Level I trauma center for Suffolk County, New York. This designation underscores its commitment to providing advanced patient care and superior training for its fellows.

Fellows in this program are integral members of a multi-disciplinary team dedicated to the management of critically ill surgical patients in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU). This exposure includes a wide range of surgical specialties that contribute to an enriching educational environment. The patient population is diverse, encompassing cases from general and acute care surgery, trauma, vascular, neurosurgical trauma, and various other medical specializations, which allows fellows to develop competencies in managing complex and high-acuity patients 1.

Curriculum Overview

One of the key components of the fellowship is the structured educational curriculum it offers. Weekly didactic conferences are held, featuring a journal club that addresses pertinent topics in intensive care and trauma management, alongside an SCCPDS approved curriculum. This curriculum is tailored to ensure comprehensive training and knowledge acquisition among fellows, emphasizing evidence-based practice and application in clinical settings 1.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship features rotations through various critical care areas, including but not limited to the SICU, Cardiothoracic ICU, and Trauma Surgery. In addition to these core rotations, there are opportunities for electives in nephrology, trauma, and echocardiography 1. This wide-ranging exposure is critical for fellows to gain experience managing complicated clinical scenarios.

Being a part of a Level I trauma center facilitates access to high-volume cases, reinforcing the fellows' clinical acumen and surgical skills. The SICU is designed to provide state-of-the-art care with a multidisciplinary team comprising intensivists, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, residents from surgery and anesthesiology, and your collaborative support staff to ensure maximum patient care 4.

Research Opportunities

Research is an essential component of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical or laboratory research, with dedicated support available. The trauma service at Stony Brook is involved in high-impact research aimed primarily at understanding and improving trauma care. This dual focus on clinical experience and research enriches the educational experience, promoting the development of physician-scientists who are well-versed in current and emerging practices in surgical critical care 5.

Application Process

The application process for the fellowship is highly structured. Applicants must be board eligible or certified in general surgery, anesthesiology, or emergency medicine. A personal interview is required, and applicants must possess a New York State medical license by August 1 of the academic year they begin. It is essential that candidates complete the USMLE Step 3 or COMLEX Step 3 by the second attempt. Furthermore, three letters of recommendation must accompany the application, highlighting the applicant’s readiness for critical care training 1.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The program's selection process is designed to attract highly qualified candidates, which renders it highly competitive. However, it is also welcoming to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG graduates, providing equal opportunities for a broad range of applicants. The program supports various visa types for international applicants, ensuring that qualified candidates with the necessary credentials can participate in this prestigious fellowship 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Stony Brook University Hospital prides itself on being a leader in trauma care, recognized for providing one of the highest survival rates. The Level I Trauma Center also leads in injury prevention, public education, and has a strong commitment to quality improvement initiatives. The fellows not only learn critical patient care skills but also gain valuable insights into trauma system operations and the broader healthcare system dynamics 6.

Furthermore, fellows have the chance to teach and mentor medical students and residents, thereby enhancing their educational and leadership skills as they prepare for future roles in academia or clinical practice. The multidisciplinary approach in the SICU ensures that fellows become adept at performing various critical procedures under collaborative supervision in a supportive learning environment 4.