University of Maryland Program
Location:
Baltimore, MDSpecialty:
Critical care medicine (Anesthesiology)ACGME Code:
0452321029The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Maryland, housed within the Department of Anesthesiology, is designed to cultivate future leaders in critical care medicine. This fellowship is characterized by one of the highest volumes of critical care cases nationally and offers a multidisciplinary approach to diverse patient populations. Fellows are immersed in a comprehensive range of critical care experiences, managing patients undergoing complex vascular procedures, aortic surgeries, trauma, and organ transplants, among others 1.
Fellows in this program benefit from the University of Maryland Medical Center, which serves as a regional core for Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) with over 500 ECMO cases logged in recent years. The center is also recognized as the third-largest adult liver transplantation facility in the United States, offering fellows exposure to high-acuity patients and advanced treatment modalities such as Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) therapy, which provides temporary support for patients with acute liver failure 1.
The R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, renowned as the world’s first free-standing trauma facility, serves as the primary adult resource center for Maryland's emergency medical services. This center caters to over 7,600 critically ill trauma patients each year, further enhancing the fellowship's practical training environment 1.
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum is structured to promote comprehensive clinical training across various critical care units. Core rotations of approximately 3 to 4 months are allocated to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit, and other critical care settings, ensuring fellows develop robust competencies in managing critically ill patients 8.
Fellows engage in a series of electives, allowing for customizable experiences tailored to individual interests, including rotations in diverse areas such as radiology, palliative care, and various subspecialties 8. The program also places a strong emphasis on didactics, incorporating a weekly lecture series, journal clubs, and a journal of morbidity and mortality conferences meant to deepen fellows' understanding and analytical abilities in critical care practices 2.
Echocardiography Training
Fellows receive specialized training in transthoracic echocardiography, dedicating a month to practice this vital skill at the Shock Trauma Center. This training builds competence in performing and interpreting echocardiograms, facilitating critical decision-making related to patient hemodynamic status 3.
Research Opportunities
The fellowship fosters a vibrant research environment, encouraging fellows to engage with nationally recognized faculty in high-impact research areas such as trauma and sepsis management, bleeding disorders, and coagulation 1. This blend of clinical and research training ensures that fellows emerge as well-rounded practitioners ready for diverse professional opportunities.
Facilities
The University of Maryland Medical Center boasts approximately 900 beds, accommodating over 30,000 inpatients and 500,000 outpatients annually, with extensive critical care facilities that include dedicated ICUs for neurocritical, cardiac, and surgical cases 4. The newly constructed Shock Trauma Tower houses numerous advanced operational and care facilities designed to meet critical care needs efficiently.
Alumni Success
Recent graduates of the program have successfully transitioned into prominent roles in both academia and private practice, demonstrating the program's efficacy in preparing fellows for their future careers 5.
Application Process
Applicants must have completed, or be about to complete, an ACGME-accredited residency in Anesthesiology. They should register with the SF Match for application processing. There are no specific restrictions on year of graduation, and the program aims to be inclusive of diverse candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds 6.
Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness
The program is supportive of international applicants and can sponsor various types of visas. This fosters a diverse training environment reflective of a global perspective in anesthesia and critical care 6.
Website
Director
Elizabeth Williams, MDAssistant Professor, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Director Appointed Since December 2020Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
72hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
28hrsFirst Year Salary:
$74,786First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Baltimore, MD
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Baltimore, MD - Program Location Overview
- Crime Rate and Safety: Baltimore has a higher crime rate compared to the national average, with some areas being safer than others. It's essential to research specific neighborhoods for safety before moving.
- Fun Activities: Baltimore offers a variety of cultural attractions, such as the Inner Harbor, museums, historic sites, and waterfront activities. There are also parks, nightlife spots, and diverse dining options to explore.
- Climate: Baltimore experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and cold winters. Spring and fall are mild and pleasant, making outdoor activities enjoyable during those times.
- Races and Population: Baltimore is a diverse city with a significant African American population. It also has a mix of other races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant culture and communities.
- Education: Baltimore is home to several universities and colleges, providing educational opportunities and contributing to the city's intellectual landscape.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Baltimore is slightly above the national average, with housing costs being a significant factor. Rent and home prices can vary greatly depending on the neighborhood.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Baltimore is about an hour's drive away from Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. Both cities offer their own unique attractions, cultural experiences, and job opportunities for residents willing to commute.
- Pros: Diverse population, cultural attractions, educational opportunities, proximity to other major cities.
- Cons: Higher crime rate in some areas, slightly above average cost of living, extreme weather conditions.
Interview Questions
