University of Minnesota Program
Location:
Minneapolis, MNSpecialty:
Surgical critical careACGME Code:
4422621022The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Minnesota is a one-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The fellowship is designed for physicians who have completed at least three years of clinical training in specialties such as anesthesiology, emergency medicine, neurological surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, orthopaedic surgery, otolaryngology, surgery, thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, or urology. The program aims to provide a comprehensive combination of clinical experiences and research opportunities in the field of critical care.
Each year, the fellowship accepts up to five fellows. Successful completion of this program qualifies fellows to meet the current criteria for admission to the Certificate of Added Competence examination administered by the American Board of Surgery. The fellowship offers invaluable opportunities including in-depth exposure to critical care principles in a demanding clinical and research atmosphere, functioning as a critical care surgeon at the staff level, and experience in administrative matters related to intensive care unit (ICU) management.
Fellows have the opportunity to engage in clinical and basic science research covering a wide range of critical conditions such as sepsis, infectious diseases, acute lung injury, and the cell and molecular biology of inflammation. Additionally, a structured lecture and reading program is provided, ensuring fellows attain comprehensive knowledge in the field.
Rotations
The fellowship offers clinical rotations at several key locations within the Twin Cities metropolitan area. These sites include the University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC)—a division of Fairview, North Memorial Medical Center (NMMC), Regions Hospital, and Fairview Southdale Hospital. At these facilities, fellows encounter a diverse range of surgical diseases and critical care problems.
At all participating sites, the Surgical Intensive Care Units (SICUs) are staffed by dedicated surgery residents who have no additional responsibilities, alongside full-time staff trained in critical care surgery who participate in patient and teaching rounds daily. Each SICU admits over 600 patients annually, ensuring ample exposure to critical care scenarios.
Training Experience
The University of Minnesota Medical Center is a major regional referral center handling over 20,000 surgical procedures and 500 solid organ transplants each year. The focus at UMMC is on complicated general surgery patients, transplant recipients, and critically ill individuals suffering from severe respiratory failure.
At North Memorial Medical Center, which is independently operated and a Level I trauma center, fellows have a broad exposure to both blunt and penetrating trauma cases. At Regions Hospital, celebrated for its emergency department and sizable burn unit, fellows focus on multiply-injured trauma patients and critically ill individuals from various surgical specialties.
Application Requirements
Application to the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship utilizes the Standardized Application for Fellowship (SAFAS) service and requires registration for the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) SCC Match. All applicants must possess certain qualifications which are outlined in the program's eligibility requirements.
Visa Support
The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program sponsors only the J-1 alien physician visa, which is the preferred status for foreign trainees in all University of Minnesota graduate medical education programs. The program does not support H-1B visas.
Competitiveness and Additional Requirements
The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive and seeks applicants demonstrating strong clinical performance and a commitment to critical care. Specific application requirements may include a maximum time since graduation from medical school and a limit on the number of failed STEP exams. Applicants should be prepared to submit all necessary documentation, including letters of recommendation and transcripts, as part of the application process.
Website
Director
Robert E Bulander, MD, PhDSurgical Critical Care Fellowship Program Director, UMMC Site Faculty, Assistant Professor of Surgery Appointed Since June 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$81,188First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Minneapolis, MN
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Minneapolis, MN
- Crime Rate and Safety: Minneapolis has a moderate crime rate. Certain areas may have higher crime rates, so it's essential to be cautious and choose your neighborhood wisely.
- Fun Activities: Minneapolis offers a wide range of fun activities such as visiting the Chain of Lakes, exploring the Mall of America, enjoying the lively food scene, attending concerts and events, and experiencing the renowned state fair.
- Climate: Minneapolis has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Be prepared for snow during the winter months!
- Races and Population: Minneapolis is a diverse city with a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural landscape.
- Education: Minneapolis is home to several colleges and universities, offering opportunities for continued education and lifelong learning.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Minneapolis is relatively high compared to other cities, especially in terms of housing. However, the salary for residents in the medical field is usually competitive.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Minneapolis is about a 4-hour drive from bigger cities like Chicago, IL, and about a 3-hour drive from Milwaukee, WI. These cities offer diverse cultural experiences, nightlife, and amenities.
- Pros: Vibrant arts and culture scene, beautiful outdoor spaces, diverse population, educational opportunities.
- Cons: Harsh winters, higher cost of living, certain areas with higher crime rates.
Interview Questions
