University at Buffalo Program

Overview of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University at Buffalo is a one-year clinical program designed to equip fellows with the knowledge and skills required for managing critically ill patients in various healthcare settings. This fellowship includes nine months dedicated to critical care and three months of operative experience. The program is accredited with commendation by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and meets the American Board of Surgery's requirements for a Certificate of Added Qualifications in Surgical Critical Care 1.

Program Goals

The fellowship aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience that encompasses four primary goals:

• Development of competencies necessary to function as a practicing surgical critical care physician within a safe educational environment.
• Enhancement of scholarly activities and maintaining a high level of academic performance.
• Preparation for quality critical care practices.
• Guidance provided to fellows in choosing career pathways and achieving personal career interests.

In addition, the fellowship adheres to the milestones set forth by the ACGME, ensuring that all educational objectives are met effectively 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured around the Society of Surgical Critical Care Program Director's Weekly Curriculum. The program emphasizes the importance of providing hands-on experience and educational opportunities through various interactive modalities, such as surgical skills sessions and research 1.

Critical Care Training

Fellows spend the majority of their time rotating through critical care units, where they gain practical experience managing post-operative patients, trauma care, and surgical emergencies.

Operative Experience

The fellow will also participate in surgical operations across disciplines like trauma, acute care surgery, burn, and cardiothoracic surgery during the operative rotation period 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

Applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency program in General Surgery and must be certified or eligible for certification by the American Board of Surgery. This fellowship only sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants, making it more accessible for foreign medical graduates 2. The application must be submitted through the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Services (SAFAS), requiring:

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• Three letters of recommendation
• USMLE scores
• American Board of Surgery in-training exam scores
• Completed fellowship application
• ECFMG certificate for foreign medical graduates

Training Environment and Research Opportunities

Fellows will receive mentorship from experienced faculty members and will be encouraged to engage in research efforts. This includes working on supervised research projects that contribute to academic literature within surgical critical care. The program also promotes teaching opportunities, allowing fellows to lead discussions and teach both medical students and residents 1.

Living and Working in Buffalo

Buffalo is known for its diverse and vibrant community, complete with affordable living—making it an attractive city for fellowship training. The cost of living is considerably lower than the national average, enhancing the overall quality of life for fellows 1. Furthermore, Buffalo's year-round weather provides a distinct four-season experience, offering various recreational activities.

Competitiveness and Requirements

This fellowship is highly competitive, requiring a strong academic background and demonstrated commitment to the field of surgery. Application components, including letters of recommendation and board scores, play a significant role in applicant selection. Prospective fellows should be aware of the competitive nature of the fellowship and prepare accordingly to enhance their candidacy 1.