University of Kentucky College of Medicine Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine is an ACGME-accredited program structured to provide comprehensive training in the management of critically ill surgical patients. This program is tailored to develop the necessary skills and knowledge required for a successful career in surgical critical care.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship typically encompasses two years, with the first year being essential and the second year optional as a non-accredited year, during which fellows may attain an instructor faculty position. The program is designed for two fellows per year, ensuring a highly focused educational experience.

The curriculum includes clinical rotations across various intensive care units. Fellows participate in:

• Trauma ICU
• Emergency general surgery ICU
• Medicine ICU
• Cardiothoracic ICU
• Neurosurgery ICU
• Two elective rotations lasting one month each

Such a diverse rotation schedule allows fellows to gain extensive exposure to different patient care scenarios while maintaining continuity of care through close patient interactions.

Call Requirements and Work Hours

To promote a healthy work-life balance, the fellowship stipulates a call schedule of no more than one night in seven, alongside a minimum of two weekends off each month. Compliance with the ACGME’s 80-hour workweek regulations ensures that fellows have adequate time for both education and self-care, striving for optimal performance and well-being.

Clinical Experience and Patient Care

The program emphasizes the importance of maintaining general surgical skills alongside perioperative critical care. Each fellow delivers primary patient care within a separate service from the chief residents, minimizing conflicts in education and allowing fellows to focus on their training and responsibilities. This structure is supported by a robust team of residents and advanced practice providers who collaborate in patient management.

The Surgical Critical Care Service operates as a consultative service, providing critical care to surgical patients across multiple disciplines. With a high volume of admissions—over 3,900 adult trauma patients and more than 1,500 general surgical emergencies annually—the fellowship presents extensive opportunities for fellows to engage in high-acuity, high-volume patient care, enhancing their experiences in trauma and emergency surgery.

Research Opportunities

Residents and fellows in the program are encouraged to engage in research projects during their training. The surgical critical care fellowship supports ongoing research initiatives in clinical sciences while providing opportunities for fellows to participate in quality improvement projects and clinical trials. They are prompted to submit abstracts to major surgical meetings, fostering a culture of inquiry and scientific contribution.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Kentucky is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Prospective fellows should note any special application requirements, which may include considerations regarding the year of medical school graduation and limits on failed STEP exams.

Additionally, the program supports international applicants through visa sponsorship for specific types such as J-1 and H-1B visas. This enhances the program's inclusivity and diversity by welcoming qualified international medical graduates.

Unique Features and Facilities

The University of Kentucky is recognized for its advanced facilities, including a Level I trauma center that plays a pivotal role in training surgical critical care fellows. The hospital serves a broad geographic area, managing complex trauma cases and critically ill surgical patients.

The program is complemented by the Center for Advanced Training and Simulation (CATS), which offers an environment for fellows and residents to practice laparoscopic techniques and other advanced surgical skills, enhancing the hands-on learning experience.

Educational Missions and Experience

In addition to clinical duties, fellows can participate in educational missions, contributing to surgical care in underserved regions. These experiences provide valuable insight into the global aspects of surgical practice and enhance the overall educational scope.

This fellowship fosters a supportive and collegial environment, promoting professional growth through mentorship from highly skilled faculty who are dedicated to surgical education, innovation, and research.