University of Kentucky College of Medicine Program
Location:
Lexington, KYSpecialty:
Critical care medicine (Anesthesiology)ACGME Code:
0452031083Overview of the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship
The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine offers a comprehensive one-year ACGME-accredited training program focused on anesthesiology critical care medicine. This fellowship begins following the successful completion of an accredited anesthesiology residency and encompasses 12 months of rigorous clinical training.
1Training under this program takes place primarily at UK Chandler Hospital, where fellows engage in critical care in specialized units: the cardiovascular ICU (CVICU), neurosciences ICU (NSICU), and surgical ICU (SICU). Each of these units is staffed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of faculty, fellows, residents, nurses, pharmacists, and other healthcare professionals, all working collaboratively to provide high-quality patient care.
1Clinical Rotations
Fellows rotate through various intensive care units, which include the CVICU, NSICU, SICU, medicine ICU (MICU), and trauma ICU (TICU). This diverse exposure allows fellows to encounter a wide range of critical care scenarios and diseases, enhancing their competence in managing critically ill patients.
1A particular focus is dedicated to point-of-care ultrasonography within a dedicated rotation, and fellows have the opportunity to engage in elective rotations. These electives cover a variety of specialties including nephrology, hepatology, infectious disease, nutrition medicine, and transfusion medicine, thereby broadening the fellows' critical care skill set.
1Clinical Experience
The fellowship provides crucial experience in managing complex cases in the CVICU, where fellows are involved in the postoperative care of patients undergoing intricate cardiothoracic surgeries such as cardiac revascularizations and heart transplants. Additional critical interventions include managing patients on mechanical cardiac support devices and those on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
1In the NSICU, fellows collaborate with specialists to address various neurological emergencies, encountering conditions such as ischemic strokes, subarachnoid hemorrhages, and traumatic brain injuries. While in the SICU, fellows gain hands-on experience caring for postoperative surgical patients, which extends to those admitted post-abdominal organ transplantation and other complex procedures.
1Didactics and Learning Environment
Didactic education is an integral component of the fellowship, occurring daily during anesthesiologist-led teaching rounds. This provides fellows with a strong foundation in understanding patient pathology while fostering critical thinking and decision-making skills. Weekly formal lectures led by surgical critical care colleagues address a range of relevant critical care topics, contributing to an enriched educational environment.
1The UK Chandler Hospital is recognized for its high patient acuity rates, challenging fellows with complex and rewarding clinical cases that enhance learning outcomes. The hands-on experience, data-driven knowledge acquisition, and opportunities for skill development form the cornerstone of the training philosophy.
1Research Opportunities
The fellowship also emphasizes research within critical care medicine. Fellows have access to a variety of research publications and ongoing projects, fostering an environment conducive to scholarly activity. This not only enhances their understanding of contemporary issues in critical care but also prepares them for contributions to the medical literature.
2Research conducted by the faculty covers diverse topics ranging from pharmacological studies to innovative treatment approaches, providing fellows with opportunities to engage in research endeavors and development of clinical protocols.
2Application and Competitiveness
Applicants for the Critical Care Medicine Fellowship typically must have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency. This program has a competitive application process and is designed to be welcoming to diverse candidates, including those from a DO or IMG background, making it relatively IMG-friendly.
1For international medical graduates, the program offers sponsorship for various visa types to facilitate participation in the fellowship. Specific requirements concerning graduation year and previous examination performance may apply.
1Website
Director
Kevin W Hatton, MDProfessor, Anesthesiology: Critical Care Appointed Since December 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
62hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$71,805First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
5.5XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Lexington, KY
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Lexington, KY
Crime Rate and Safety: Lexington is considered a relatively safe city with a moderate crime rate. Like any other city, it's recommended to stay aware of your surroundings.
Fun Activities: Lexington is known for its horse racing heritage, bourbon distilleries, and beautiful horse farms. The city offers a vibrant arts and culture scene, outdoor recreational activities, and a variety of dining options.
Climate: Lexington experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are particularly beautiful in Kentucky.
Races and Population: Lexington has a diverse population, and the city celebrates its equine heritage. Residents come from various racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Education: Lexington is home to the University of Kentucky, providing opportunities for higher education and cultural events.
Cost of Living: The cost of living in Lexington is relatively affordable compared to larger metropolitan areas.
Proximity to Bigger Cities: Lexington is within a couple of hours' drive to cities like Cincinnati, OH and Louisville, KY. Both cities offer additional cultural and entertainment options.
Pros: Affordable cost of living, rich cultural heritage, and proximity to major cities.
Cons: Weather can be hot and humid in the summer and cold in the winter for those not accustomed to it.
Interview Questions
