University of Kansas School of Medicine Program

Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Kansas

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Kansas School of Medicine provides an extensive and dynamic opportunity for fellows to immerse themselves in high-level clinical training and patient care. The program consists of only two fellows, ensuring close mentorship and ample hands-on experience in an environment that emphasizes the quality of training. The fellowship encompasses rotations primarily at The University of Kansas Hospital, which is recognized as the best hospital in Kansas City, and the Kansas City VA Medical Center.

In this program, fellows acquire practical experience in clinical settings that are pivotal for developing expertise in the management of critically ill patients. The fellowship aims to create leaders in critical care medicine through rigorous training that enhances clinical competence, procedural skills, and decision-making capabilities.

Training Locations

The primary training sites for this fellowship include:

• The University of Kansas Hospital: A 1,045-bed facility that serves as the regional referral center for several critical services, including bone marrow transplant and solid organ transplant programs. Its intensive care units are among the largest in the nation, challenging fellows with a high volume and intensity of cases.
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• Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center: A 142-bed facility dedicated to veteran care, this center provides a unique opportunity for fellows to gain experience in managing complex critical illnesses among a veteran population.
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Clinical Rotations and Training

This fellowship offers extensive clinical rotations that expose fellows to a variety of critical care challenges, including:

• High acuity settings involving sepsis, septic shock, and respiratory failure.
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• Procedural competence development with opportunities in bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and chest tube placements.
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• Collaborative care experiences with neurology, cardiothoracic surgery, and anesthesia critical care physicians to enhance interdisciplinary understanding of critical illness.
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Furthermore, the fellowship ensures a gradual increase in autonomy, permitting fellows to lead critical care teams with 24-hour supervision from experienced intensivists.

Educational Curriculum

The educational framework of this fellowship is strategically designed to enhance critical care knowledge systematically. The curriculum adopts a topic-based block schedule aligned with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) critical care topics, which covers:

• Medical Critical Care
• Neurocritical Care
• Surgical Critical Care
• Cardiogenic Shock
• Toxicology and Pharmacology

Educational sessions include didactics, journal clubs, and case presentations, all aimed at fostering an understanding of best practices in critical care settings.

Benefits and Support

Fellows in the program receive a comprehensive package of benefits, including:

• Annual stipends that are competitive within the field.
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• Three weeks of paid vacation and additional time for residency interviews.
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• Financial support for books and attendance at national conferences.
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• Membership at the Kirmayer Fitness Center.
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Application Process

The application process for the fellowship is strictly through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). Candidates must submit a CV, a statement of career goals, and three letters of recommendation. International applicants should ensure they meet all relevant requirements, including visa sponsorship, as the program does accommodate various visa types.

While all applicants are encouraged to apply, the fellowship is competitive and seeks individuals who demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a career in critical care medicine.

Kansas City Living

Kansas City, the metropolitan area surrounding the University of Kansas Medical Center, offers a blend of urban and suburban living with a rich cultural scene, accessible amenities, and affordable living costs. Notable attractions include the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and the Country Club Plaza. Residents benefit from a variety of recreational options, educational institutions, and family-friendly environments, making it an appealing location for fellowships.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship recognizes the international nature of medical training, providing visa sponsorship for J-1 visa types among others. As a program, it has a strong commitment to inclusivity, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds including U.S. medical graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and circumstances surrounding DO applicants.