University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine Program

Welcome to the Critical Care Fellowship program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine. This program is structured to cultivate skilled and knowledgeable intensivists through rigorous clinical and academic training. The Critical Care Fellowship accepts both one and two-year fellows, allowing for flexibility based on previous training and certifications.

Program Overview

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship consists of two primary training sites: Saint Luke’s Hospital and University Health Truman Medical Center. Each site provides a diverse array of clinical experiences essential for developing expertise in critical care. The program aims to train fellows in both the art and science of critical care, equipping them with critical skills necessary for a successful career in various practice environments.

Saint Luke’s Hospital (SLH) is noted for its comprehensive critical care services and state-of-the-art facilities. The hospital hosts four closed Intensive Care Units (ICUs)—Medical Surgery Trauma ICU, Cardiac Care Unit, Neurosurgical ICU, and Cardiovascular ICU—providing a robust training environment to manage critically ill patients. The institution emphasizes advanced therapeutic interventions, including Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) and hemodynamic support technology.

University Health Truman Medical Center serves as the primary campus for the UMKC medical school and is one of the busiest emergency departments in the area, adding substantial clinical exposure to the training. This facility allows fellows to experience high patient turnover while managing patients in a diverse urban setting, which enhances their clinical skills and patient management capabilities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is designed with comprehensive rotations across different ICUs. For the two-year fellowship, the detailed rotation schedule involves four months in MSTICU/CCU, one month in CVICU, one month in NSICU, and dedicated research months to foster scholarly activities. In the first year, fellows also complete rotations in Anesthesia and Trauma Critical Care, thereby expanding their clinical competencies.

In addition to the standard ICU experiences, fellows are encouraged to engage in elective rotations that allow for personalized education tailored to their interests. These electives may include Nephrology, Infectious Disease, and diagnostic radiology, among others.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship. Fellows are expected to work closely with faculty to define research projects that contribute to their professional development and the broader medical community. The fellow must submit a research manuscript by the end of their training, with an expectation to publish an abstract at a major critical care conference. This research focus prepares fellows for academic positions or evidence-based practice roles by enhancing their analytical and critical thinking skills.

Evaluation and Feedback

The fellowship program incorporates a robust evaluation system that involves continuous feedback. Each fellow is assessed monthly on various competencies, including medical knowledge, professional behavior, and clinical judgment. This feedback is integral to fostering a growth environment and ensuring that fellows progress appropriately throughout their training experience.

Application Information

To be eligible for the Critical Care Fellowship, applicants must complete a formal application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), provide a current Curriculum Vitae, include recommendation letters from faculty and their program director, and submit a personal statement and USMLE scores. Notably, the program does not participate in the NRMP match but evaluates candidates based on comprehensive criteria like academic achievement, clinical skills, and personal qualities.

Visa Sponsorship

The Critical Care Fellowship program supports international medical graduates by sponsoring J-1 visas, facilitating participation from qualified candidates around the globe. This support ensures that various backgrounds and perspectives are included, enriching the fellowship experience for all participants.

Competitiveness and Candidate Requirements

The fellowship is competitive, though the program is noted for being friendly towards DO and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The selection committee assesses candidates holistically, prioritizing not just academic metrics but also qualities such as compassion, dedication, and social responsibility.

Due to the program's structure, candidates are required to demonstrate substantial clinical experience, and applicants who have failed Step exams must meet specific criteria for consideration.