SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

The Neurocritical Care Fellowship program at Upstate Medical University is intricately designed to fulfill and surpass the core requirements delineated by the United Council of Neurological Subspecialties (UCNS) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine. It is notable for being one of the pioneering UCNS-certified programs, offering extensive training tailored to manage neurological and neurosurgical patients in critical care environments.

The program is accredited by the ACGME, and candidates interested in this fellowship must be graduates of an ACGME-accredited residency program. The fellowship features three distinct tracks based on the applicants' prior training backgrounds:

• A 24-month track is available for candidates who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in Neurology, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Surgery, Pediatric Critical Care, or Child Neurology.
• A 12-month track for individuals who have completed ACGME-accredited post-graduate fellowship training in Anesthesia Critical Care, Surgical Critical Care, or Internal Medicine Critical Care.
• A 12-month track for those currently in an ACGME-accredited Neurosurgery residency program, which incorporates the neurocritical care fellowship into the neurosurgery residency schedule for the last year of training.

Upstate Medical University Hospital holds the distinction of being a Level I trauma center, catering to the Central New York region. It was among the first in the area to achieve Stroke Center Certification, and it remains the only Comprehensive Stroke Center within the same vicinity, further establishing its clinical significance.

The hospital features a newly built Neuroscience complex encompassing a 14-bed Neuroscience Critical Care unit along with a 13-bed Neuroscience Stroke/Step-down unit, which includes a 5-bed EEG monitoring unit. The fellowship's curriculum provides supervised training in the application of neurocritical care principles, where fellows develop procedural skills particularly in managing life-threatening neurological conditions.

Fellows will enhance their expertise in advanced hemodynamic assessment using both invasive and non-invasive techniques, such as arterial and central line catheterization, and cardiac output monitoring. The fellowship emphasizes a broad range of advanced airway management, including endotracheal intubation, ventilator management, and fiber optic bronchoscopy.

Additionally, there are numerous diagnostic and therapeutic technologies included in the training agenda, such as multimodality neuromonitoring (continuous EEG assessment and interpretation), managing intracranial pressure monitors, and conducting transcranial Doppler studies.

Elective rotations accessible to fellows span multiple specialties, including MICU/CCU, SICU/Trauma, Pediatric ICU, Emergency Medicine, Operating Room/Anesthesia, and opportunities for involvement in Neurointerventional Stroke Research are also key components of the curriculum.

The program maintains a structured didactic curriculum as outlined by the UCNS/SCCM. This curriculum is complemented by regular journal clubs, case conferences, and grand rounds that enhance the fellows’ clinical experiences. Individuals pursuing this fellowship are encouraged to tailor their experiences based on personal career aspirations.

Compensation for fellows is aligned with the PGY level, as detailed in the benefits and salary structure. Benefits encompass malpractice protection, major medical insurance options, vacation days, and annual allowances for educational expenses, as well as support for board examination fees.

Concerning application requirements, the fellowship mandates specific documents, including a structured CV, a letter of intent, three recommendation letters (with one being from the most recent program director), USMLE score reports, and ECFMG certification where applicable. Graduates must demonstrate completion of an ACGME-accredited residency, or provide a letter from the program director outlining the expected completion of their residency training.

The program accepts US citizens, permanent residents, and J-1 visa holders but does not sponsor H-1B visas. This competitive fellowship identifies itself as being congenial towards DO and IMG applicants, making it an inclusive option for diverse candidates looking to advance in the neurocritical care domain.

Regular interviews are conducted between February and May, coupled with the participation in the electronic San Francisco match service for candidates.

Living in Syracuse amplifies the fellowship experience. Known for its recreational opportunities in both summer and winter, Syracuse offers numerous outdoor activities, cultural offerings from nearby Syracuse University, and affordable housing options. Access to quality schools and a vibrant downtown enhance the overall livability for fellows and their families.