University of Colorado School of Medicine/University of Colorado Hospital Program

The University of Colorado School of Medicine offers a highly distinguished Surgical Critical Care Fellowship. This fellowship is designed for individuals who have completed their residency training and seek advanced education and hands-on experience in surgical critical care.

Program Overview

The program focuses on the management of critically ill surgical patients, integrating advanced surgical care with a strong emphasis on critical care medicine. Fellows gain experience across various subspecialties, preparing them for leadership roles in surgical critical care.

Curriculum

The curriculum comprises a structured combination of clinical rotations, didactic lectures, and hands-on training. Fellows will experience an extensive range of clinical settings that include trauma, vascular surgery, and general surgery. Each rotation is tailored to enhance fellows' abilities to handle complex surgical cases and to develop their procedural skills, such as airway management, central venous access, and advanced cardiac life support measures.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will rotate through various intensive care units (ICUs), including the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Trauma ICU, and Cardiothoracic ICU. The exposure to diverse patient populations ensures a comprehensive understanding of the dynamics of critical care medicine.

Research and Quality Improvement

The program also places significant emphasis on research and academic inquiry. Fellows are encouraged to partake in ongoing clinical research projects and develop their own research initiatives. Additionally, the program facilitates quality improvement projects aimed at enhancing patient care protocols within surgical ICUs.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Colorado’s Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is distinguished by its commitment to an interdisciplinary approach. Fellows work alongside a multidisciplinary team including surgical attendings, trauma surgeons, anesthesiologists, and advanced practice providers, all directed toward improving patient outcomes.

Training Sites

The fellowship is primarily conducted at the University of Colorado Hospital, an academic medical center recognized for its excellence in surgical care. The hospital features state-of-the-art facilities and technology necessary for the comprehensive training of surgical critical care fellows.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates (IMGs), specifically sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas. This support is beneficial for fellows who seek to broaden their clinical and academic experience in the United States.

Competitiveness

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Colorado is known to be highly competitive, attracting numerous applicants from both DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged to showcase unique experiences in their applications to enhance their competitiveness.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed a general surgery residency or an equivalent prior training program. Additionally, the program may establish other specific application criteria such as graduation year limits, the maximum number of failed STEP exams, and letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s clinical abilities and character.

Diversity and Inclusion

The fellowship program emphasizes diversity and inclusion. There are ongoing efforts to create a supportive environment that fosters diversity among fellows, providing a holistic educational experience that acknowledges and respects various backgrounds and perspectives.