Swedish Hospital Program

The Swedish Hospital Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is a two-year program designed to train one fellow each year. This program is approved by the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) and is aimed at providing board eligibility in the field of critical care medicine. The fellowship emphasizes an integrated learning approach where clinical experience is paired with ongoing education.

Core Curriculum

The core curriculum spans 24 months, divided into different training components:

• ICU Rotation: 13 months
• Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU): 6 months
• Electives: 3 months
• Research: 1 month
• Cardiothoracic Surgery: 1 month

Throughout the fellowship, fellows will engage in a diverse range of procedures which include, but are not limited to:

• Airway intubation
• Ventilator management
• Central venous line insertion
• Pulmonary artery catheter insertion
• Dialysis catheter insertion

Additional Training Opportunities

Fellows also benefit from a yearly procedure simulation experience at Midwestern University, which enhances practical skills through hands-on training with Emergency Department residents. Participating in lectures and conferences is encouraged, and fellows allocate five CME days per year for this purpose, supported by a stipend of $2,500 for educational materials.

Research Infrastructure

The Swedish Hospital provides a comprehensive medical library that supports fellowship research endeavors. This library, staffed by a full-time medical librarian, offers resources including internet access and significant databases such as MEDLINE and CINAHL. Fellows are expected to complete and submit at least one research project during their training, contributing to their professional development and interests in evidence-based medicine, facilitated by additional educational lectures throughout the fellowship.3

Training Environment and Facilities

Training takes place at Swedish Hospital, which operates an intensive care unit caring for approximately 700 admissions annually, with an average patient stay of four days. The facility is equipped with sophisticated monitoring and diagnostic equipment, ensuring fellows receive state-of-the-art training. The hospital is recognized as a Level 2 Trauma Center, accredited Chest Pain Center, and Primary Stroke Center, offering fellows a dynamic environment for clinical education.

Application Process

Application requirements for the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship include graduation from an AOA-accredited College of Osteopathic Medicine, completion of the COMLEX exams, and AOA membership throughout the fellowship. Applicants must submit official transcripts, a Dean’s Letter, letters of recommendation, and a completed application. The selection process includes a review by the program director and interviews with chosen candidates.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

For international medical graduates (IMGs), the fellowship program offers support for obtaining essential visas, which may include J-1 and O-1 visa sponsorship. This approach aims to ensure a diverse applicant pool and enhances the educational experience within the fellowship. The competitiveness of the fellowship program is high, and it is recognized as friendly to DO and IMG candidates, further expanding the potential applicant base.