University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics is a comprehensive one-year, ACGME accredited program. This program is offered by the Division of Acute Care Surgery and is designed to equip fellows with the necessary technical skills and in-depth knowledge required to care for critically ill patients, preparing them for board certification in Surgical Critical Care by the American Board of Surgery.

The training takes place primarily in the Surgical & Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (SNICU), alongside various elective ICUs including the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU), Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU), Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). This diverse environment not only enhances clinical exposure but also fosters a multidisciplinary approach to critical care, allowing fellows to interact with professionals from anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and other surgical specialties.

Program Mission and Objectives

The mission of the fellowship program is to create a supportive educational environment aimed at developing essential clinical and administrative skills. The program emphasizes hands-on clinical training, complemented by interactive workshops, medical simulations, and didactic education, thereby ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

Key objectives of the fellowship include:

• Management of critical conditions such as shock, sepsis, acute respiratory failure, and acute neurological conditions.
• Understanding the pathophysiology of critical illnesses and advanced monitoring techniques.
• Application of communication skills in patient and family interactions, particularly during end-of-life care and when dealing with geriatric patients.
• Proficiency in critical care procedures such as endotracheal intubation, central venous catheterization, and chest tube placements.
• A focus on leadership development to prepare fellows for future administrative roles in critical care settings.

Application Process

Applications for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship can be submitted through the Surgical Critical Care & Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). The application period for the upcoming cycle opens on March 1, 2024, with interviews conducted on two separate dates concluding in the first week of August. It is important for applicants to meet the eligibility criteria set forth by both the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) and ACGME guidelines.

Eligibility requirements specify that applicants must have completed all required clinical education in an ACGME-accredited residency or equivalent program. Additionally, candidates need to have completed at least three years in an ACGME-accredited or AOA-accredited graduate medical education program in one of several specified specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and various surgical disciplines, among others.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs). Common visa types sponsored by the program include J-1 and H-1B visas. This support assists qualified candidates in navigating the complexities associated with working and training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is competitive due to its strong educational structure and diverse training opportunities. The program is welcoming to both DO and IMG applicants, provided they meet the necessary prerequisites in terms of their previous training and examinations. Specific application requirements may include a limit on the number of failed STEP examinations; candidates are encouraged to demonstrate competency through their performance.

Training Sites and Facilities

The fellowship is conducted at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics, a notable Level 1 Trauma Center with an extensive array of resources that involve over 800 inpatient beds, including 128 ICU beds. The facilities support a variety of medical specialties, ensuring that fellows receive comprehensive training and exposure to a wide range of critical care scenarios.