University of Hawaii Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Hawaii provides a comprehensive and rigorous training experience for physicians wanting to specialize in critical care medicine. This one-year program allows fellows to develop the vast skill set required to manage complex surgical patients in an intensive care setting, integrating clinical competencies, research, and teaching responsibilities.

Program Overview

The fellowship program aims to cultivate surgical intensivists who can not only provide excellent patient care but also contribute to the field through leadership and research. Accepted fellows will be the primary contact for a range of healthcare professionals, enhancing their leadership, communication, and critical thinking skills in high-pressure environments.

Curriculum

The curriculum is strategically crafted to ensure exposure to key areas essential for surgical critical care practice. The fellowship includes:

• 10-11 months in adult surgical, trauma, and neurosurgical ICU
• 2 weeks in the Cardiac ICU

Fellows will participate in various conferences, including surgery grand rounds, morbidity & mortality meetings, and journal clubs. They are also encouraged to attend external conferences such as the Society of Critical Care Medicine conference held annually.

Research Opportunities

A strong emphasis on research is a pillar of the fellowship. Monthly research meetings enable fellows to engage with ongoing projects, and each fellow is required to undertake at least one research project during their training. This experience not only enriches their academic foundation but also enhances their understanding of evidence-based medicine.

Rotation Schedule

The fellows are scheduled for in-house call every sixth night—ensuring that at least one fellow is present every third night. The scheduling balances clinical duties with designated periods off, where residents can continue their educational activities free from clinical responsibilities. Each fellow is entitled to one full day free of all duties weekly.

Training Sites

The training primarily takes place at The Queen’s Medical Center, a leading institution in Hawaii that operates two distinct surgical intensive care units. One unit focuses on trauma and general surgery, while another caters to neurological disorders. This diverse specialization within the center ensures that fellows gain comprehensive exposure to varied patient populations and critical care scenarios.

Application Process and Requirements

The fellowship is open to candidates who have completed at least three clinical years of an ACGME-accredited residency program. Applicants can have backgrounds in Anesthesia, Emergency Medicine, Neurological Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, or various surgical specialties. They must submit applications through the SCC and ACS Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS), with selection managed through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Special application requirements encompass a completed standard application, updated CV, personal statement, three letters of recommendation (including one from the current Program Director), and USMLE transcripts (Steps 1, 2, and 3). The program conducts virtual interviews, and participation in these interviews is by invitation only.

Visa Sponsorship

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Hawaii sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates. However, H-1B visas are not supported.

Program Competitiveness

The fellowship is competitive, with limited positions available each year (three fellows per academic year). While U.S. graduates often dominate the field, the program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG categories.

Special Application Considerations

Candidates must hold a medical degree from a recognized institution and are expected to have training that aligns with the surgical critical care competencies. The program emphasizes a holistic review of applications, taking various factors into account such as clinical experience and motivation.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary along with benefits typical for graduate medical education, including health insurance and professional development opportunities.