University of Colorado School of Medicine Program

Program Overview

The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program aimed at preparing Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in the field of surgery and critical care. The program is structured to provide robust clinical and didactic training, enabling APPs to function autonomously in various surgical settings.

The program consists of three distinct tracks: Surgical, Surgical Critical Care, and Medical Critical Care. Candidates are encouraged to apply for only one track that aligns best with their career aspirations. Overlapping education and training experiences occur primarily during the orientation and ongoing didactic sessions throughout the fellowship year.

Clinical Curriculum

APP Fellows will engage heavily in hands-on experiences while working alongside experienced APPs, surgical residents, and attending surgeons. Responsibilities include obtaining patient histories, conducting physical examinations, writing orders, developing differential diagnoses, and performing a variety of procedures under supervision. During their training, fellows can expect to work an average of 60 hours per week, with a maximum of 80 hours weekly.

Fellows in the Surgical Track will rotate through various surgical subspecialties, gaining exposure in Trauma and Acute Care, Surgical Oncology, MIS/Bariatric Surgery, and others. For the Surgical Critical Care Track, rotations will focus on the management of critically ill patients in settings such as Surgical Trauma ICU and Cardiothoracic ICU.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic component encompasses a comprehensive 3-week orientation that includes skill labs tailored to surgical techniques and critical care management. Continuous education is provided through lectures, fellow case presentations, simulation exercises, and conferences, which include grand rounds and quality improvement initiatives throughout the year.

Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations for both tracks will primarily take place at the Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, as well as additional rotations at the Medical Center of the Rockies and Memorial Hospital. Each rotation lasts for one month and covers vital surgical and critical care subspecialties. For example, Surgical Critical Care fellows can expect rotations including Neuro ICU, Burn ICU, and various consultation services.

Fellowship Requirements

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have graduated from a Physician Assistant or Adult Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program and must hold or be eligible to obtain the relevant certifications. Additional application materials include a CV, personal statement, transcripts, and letters of recommendation.

The evaluation process involves comprehensive feedback after each rotation, alongside periodic evaluations of skills and classroom knowledge. Each fellow is also expected to complete a final project as part of the graduation requirements.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is committed to being DO and IMG friendly, embracing diversity in its applicants. The fellowship offers visa sponsorship, particularly for J-1 visas, which is crucial for international medical graduates seeking advanced training in the United States.

Application Process

Applications for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship are accepted biannually, with specific deadlines for each cohort. The application review process includes invitations for interviews, which may be conducted either in-person or via Zoom. A competitive selection process is in place, accepting a limited number of fellows per track each year.

Compensation and Benefits

APP Fellows will receive an annual salary of $65,000 along with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Furthermore, fellows can expect to accumulate more than 50 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) during the fellowship, with opportunities to participate in local and national surgical conferences.

Conclusion

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine is an invaluable opportunity for aspiring APPs to advance their skills in a supportive and academically rigorous environment. With a structured curriculum and a focus on practical experience, fellows will emerge as highly qualified practitioners prepared to handle the complexities of surgical care and critical care settings.