University of Florida Program

The University of Florida Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is a comprehensive 12-month program designed to provide extensive training in surgical critical care. This fellowship takes place at UF Health Shands Hospital, a prestigious Level I trauma center and tertiary surgical referral center that caters to a diverse geographical area, including north and central Florida, as well as southern Georgia. The facility features a combined capacity of 120 critical care beds, spreading across various critical units such as the Trauma ICU (TICU), Surgical ICU (SICU), Cardiac ICU (CICU), Thoracic ICU (TICU), Vascular ICU (VICU), Neuro ICU (NICU), and Burn ICU (BICU) 1.

The fellowship has a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary education through an experienced team of critical care specialists. Over the course of the year, fellows are expected to interact with a broad array of surgical services, managing around 3,500 critically ill patients across various specialties such as trauma surgery, burn surgery, surgical oncology, and cardiothoracic surgery, among others. The curriculum focuses on critical learning objectives, including advanced airway management, critical care ultrasonography, bedside procedures, postoperative resuscitation, and the management of severe conditions like sepsis and ARDS 1.

Program Mission and Aims

The mission of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is to cultivate proficient, compassionate surgical critical care specialists. The program aims for a 100% board certification rate among graduates within two years of completion. Furthermore, it seeks to develop well-rounded graduates who are academically sound and understand the healthcare system, as evidenced by all fellows participating in at least one quality assurance or safety project throughout their training 1.

Clinical Experience

Fellows are required to undertake 9 months of intensive critical care training, which includes a minimum of 5 months in both the TICU and SICU. The additional months will consist of one month each in specialized units, such as the Burn ICU, Cardiothoracic ICU, Neuro ICU, and Thoracic/Vascular ICU. The program also offers various elective opportunities, such as trauma surgery, burn surgery, pediatric ICU, ultrasound/echocardiography, and critical care nephrology, among others 1.

Call responsibilities for fellows are generally in-house and consist of 12-hour shifts. The program encourages active participation in educational protocols and offers Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and instructor classes, although enrollment is not mandatory. Furthermore, fellows can opt for an additional year of trauma fellowship to align with specific career aspirations and gain further expertise 1.

Research Opportunities

The program boasts a robust research environment, with faculty members engaged in substantial inquiry relating to surgical critical care. Specific research areas include the Laboratory of Inflammation Biology and Surgical Science, which focuses on trauma response and other critical care challenges. Numerous funded research projects enable trainees interested in academic medicine to engage in significant faculty-mentored research activities. Fellows are encouraged to publish and present findings at national meetings 1.

Curriculum and Conferences

The curriculum is both rigorous and diverse, featuring multiple weekly conferences designed to bolster fellows' education. Notable events include the Critical Care Journal Club, Grand Rounds, and Critical Care Protocol Conferences. Regular educational sessions provide ongoing learning and skills enhancement, which are crucial for working effectively in critical care environments 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program has four available positions each year, with one of these typically transitioning to an Acute Care Surgery Fellowship for an additional year of training. Applicants are expected to be board-eligible in general surgery, urology, neurosurgery, or obstetrics and gynecology. In terms of competitiveness, the program welcomes both DO and IMG candidates but also values diverse backgrounds and experiences 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options, particularly J-1 visas, which are common among fellowship trainees who are international medical graduates. This allows qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and participate in the fellowship without hindrance related to immigration status 1.

Living in Gainesville

Situated in Gainesville, Florida, this fellowship offers fellows not just academic and clinical excellence but also a pleasant living environment. Gainesville is known for its vibrant college atmosphere, low-cost housing, and access to outdoor activities, which contribute to a balanced lifestyle. Proximity to both Gulf and Atlantic beaches enhances recreational opportunities during downtime 1.