University of Maryland Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center offers an extensive training program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education. The fellowship accepts a total of eight fellows annually who have completed an ACGME-accredited general surgery residency and possess board eligibility or certification by the American Board of Surgery. Applicants should demonstrate teaching capabilities for medical students and residents as part of their qualifications 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship is structured around a comprehensive one-year curriculum divided into seven core rotations and a series of additional training opportunities. The core rotations include:

• 2 months in Trauma Surgery
• 1 month in Acute Care Emergency Surgery
• 2 months in Multi-Trauma Critical Care Unit
• 2 months in Neuro-Trauma Critical Care Unit
• 2 months in Surgical Intensive Care Unit
• 1 month in Cardiac Surgery Intensive Care Unit
• 1 month in Critical Care Echocardiography

In addition to the core clinical experiences, fellows are exposed to advanced training courses including Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Instructor Course, among others 1.

Rotations and Clinical Experience

During the fellowship, trainees will rotate primarily at the Shock Trauma Center and the University of Maryland Medical Center, which provides more than 700 beds and five distinct adult intensive care units. The training is pivotal as fellows lead trauma resuscitations and manage critically ill patients across various rotations.

Rotations include:

• Trauma Team: Fellows lead a group of surgical and emergency medicine residents, ensuring thorough management of trauma admissions and resuscitations.
• Acute Care Emergency Surgery: Gaining experience in managing a range of surgical cases such as appendectomy and cholecystectomy while participating in consults for critically ill patients.
• Cardiac Surgery: Involves collaborative care in the Cardiac Surgery ICU, as well as in the operating room for complex surgical procedures.
• Neurotrauma ICU: Focuses on care for patients with traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, utilizing evidence-based practices alongside neurointensivists 2.

Research and Unique Opportunities

The program emphasizes research and clinical innovation within critical care settings. It features advanced treatment options such as ECMO and CRRT, with fellows actively participating in managing these complex procedures. The fellowship also includes simulation training offered at high-fidelity centers, enhancing fellows' practical skills through didactic lectures and hands-on opportunities.

Application Process and Eligibility

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must utilize the SAFAS application process, including specific eligibility criteria. The application typically opens in June with interviews conducted in July and August. A critical requirement is completion of an Emergency Medicine (EM) residency for individuals applying to the Emergency Medicine-Surgical Critical Care Fellowship track 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program supports various visa types for international medical graduates, including H-1B and J-1 visas, ensuring that acceptable candidates can tend to their professional training seamlessly. The fellowship is highly competitive, catering to a mix of MD and DO applicants, including those from international medical backgrounds, ensuring a diverse fellowship cohort.

Additional Training Options

Fellows are encouraged to pursue additional training courses to enhance their skills and prepare for future roles. These include training in advanced echocardiography, disaster management, and fundamental critical care support. Each of these opportunities is designed to fortify the fellow's capability in handling diverse and complex clinical situations 1.