Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed for surgeons who have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited general surgery residency. Situated in a 548-bed tertiary care facility, the program offers rigorous training in the surgical intensive care unit (SICU), which features state-of-the-art facilities and supports a Level I Trauma Center recognized by the American College of Surgeons.

The SICU accommodates a variety of surgical patients, including those requiring trauma care, general, vascular, hepatobiliary, colorectal, cardiac, and thoracic surgery, as well as subspecialties such as neurosurgery, plastic, orthopedic, urology, oral and maxillofacial, and otorhinolaryngology. The setup also allows fellows to gain extensive experience with diverse patient populations and critical care scenarios.

Rotations and Training

Fellows participate in rotations through various units, including the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Infectious Disease Consult Service, Anesthesiology, and other specialized areas such as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Coronary Intensive Care Unit (CICU). This multi-faceted exposure ensures a comprehensive training experience where fellows develop the capability to manage critically ill patients effectively.

Didactic Education

The fellowship boasts a rigorous didactic curriculum which includes lectures dedicated to surgical critical care education, journal clubs, and morbidity and mortality conferences. These educational opportunities are supplemented by involvement in clinical research projects focusing on important areas such as nutrition in critically ill patients, coagulation, and innovative critical care technologies.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have access to ongoing clinical research projects and are encouraged to engage in both clinical and basic science research. Collaboration with the Extracorporeal Circulation Laboratory at the University of Michigan Medical School provides further opportunities for fellows to expand their research horizons.

Eligibility and Application Process

To be eligible for the program, applicants should be completing or have completed an ACGME- or AOA-approved general surgery residency and must be Board Eligible or Board Certified in surgery by the time the fellowship commences. Required application materials include a curriculum vitae, cover letter, and three letters of recommendation. This structured application process ensures the selection of highly qualified candidates pertinent to the demanding nature of this fellowship.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers support for J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorship, thereby welcoming international medical graduates. The competitiveness of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship can be characterized as moderately competitive, with a focus on recruiting both U.S. and international graduates who meet the program’s applicant criteria. The fellowship aims to maintain a diverse pool of candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to surgical critical care.

Unique Community and Lifestyle

The fellowship program is located in Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, Michigan. The area is home to the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, providing a vibrant college-town atmosphere. Residents can take advantage of a variety of cultural experiences, recreational activities, and convenient access to major transportation routes and Detroit Metro Airport, just 30 minutes away.

The community’s medical, cultural, and sports teams, including local professional teams, provide a supportive backdrop for fellow training while allowing fellows to balance their demanding educational and clinical responsibilities with a fulfilling lifestyle.