University of Michigan Program

The University of Michigan Medical School offers a UCNS-accredited fellowship in Neurocritical Care designed to train specialists in managing critically ill patients with neurological and neurosurgical conditions. This fellowship aligns with the university's commitment to providing high-quality education and mentorship in a multidisciplinary training environment.

The fellowship is highly competitive, with only one position offered per year. Applicants must have successfully completed residency training in one of the following fields: neurology, neurosurgery, internal medicine, emergency medicine, anesthesiology, or surgery, either in the United States or Canada.

Regarding application specifics, the program welcomes applications through the SFmatch common application system for neurocritical care. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents (green card holders), or in possession of a J-1 visa sponsored through ECFMG, as the program does not support other visa types.1

Fellowship Overview

The fellowship is structured to provide ample clinical and academic mentorship. Fellows benefit from graded autonomy, ensuring they are well-prepared to transition into independent neurocritical care practice. The curriculum features didactic critical care training, alongside clinical simulator-based instruction, facilitating experiential learning.

Fellows will gain substantial experience in managing a variety of acute conditions, including but not limited to:

• Subarachnoid hemorrhage
• Intracerebral hemorrhage
• Acute ischemic stroke
• Neuromuscular respiratory failure
• Status epilepticus
• Severe traumatic brain injury
• Fulminant hepatic failure with intracranial hypertension
• Postoperative care of complicated neurosurgical patients

Skills such as intracranial pressure monitoring, management of hemodynamic support, mechanical ventilation, and the application of continuous EEG in the ICU are emphasized during training.

Rotations and Training Experience

Fellows participate in various mandatory rotations, including time in the neuro-ICU. Specific training also includes advanced airway management and perioperative neurosurgical management. The fellowship incorporates rotation through the Emergency Department Critical Care Center (EC3), where fellows manage critical patients in diverse scenarios such as sepsis, congestive heart failure exacerbations, diabetic ketoacidosis, and cardiac arrest.

Additionally, exposure to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is provided, along with care for patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a dedicated 20-bed unit. The curriculum also mandates experiences in the Cardiac Care Unit and the Cardiovascular ICU, where fellows manage advanced congestive heart failure and postoperative cardiac cases.

Elective rotations in subspecialties like stroke, EEG, and interventional neuroradiology are available, allowing fellows to tailor their training based on interests and career goals.

Research opportunities abound in neurointensive care, neurosurgery, and acute ischemic stroke, with fellows expected to present original research at national conferences 1.

The Neurocritical Care Environment

The University of Michigan Health System is renowned globally as an academic medical center, drawing referrals from various regions and providing exposure to a broad array of critical illness scenarios. The 15-bed Neuro-ICU is staffed by UCNS-certified neurointensivists and provides a multidisciplinary environment with coverage from various specialties, enhancing the learning experience with collaborative care models.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salaries that align with House Officer levels of training as per the HOA contract. The program also offers generous benefits aimed at enhancing the overall fellowship experience.

Life in Ann Arbor

Beyond the clinical training, fellows will find Ann Arbor a vibrant place to live. The community offers year-round outdoor activities, a thriving cultural scene, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it an attractive location for medical professionals and their families alike.