University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed for individuals who have completed at least five years of general surgery training in an ACGME-accredited residency program in the United States. The program aims to equip fellows with the necessary competencies to be eligible for the American Board of Surgery certification in Surgical Critical Care. UNMC is recognized as a leading tertiary care academic institution located in Omaha, Nebraska, known for its excellence in education, research, and clinical care.

The fellowship provides comprehensive training in a high-volume certified Level 1 trauma center, which serves a wide catchment area involving multiple states and diverse injury mechanisms. The surgical intensive care unit (SICU) at UNMC is a dedicated 12-bed facility that offers a unique opportunity for fellows to deliver care to critically ill patients. The program fosters an environment focused on professional development, allowing fellows to tailor their training experience according to their career aspirations and special interests.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum utilizes a multimodal educational approach to prepare fellows for providing evidence-based critical care. The educational experience emphasizes bedside learning, with multidisciplinary teaching conducted on rounds. Didactic components feature twice-weekly lectures specifically designed for critical care fellows, along with quality assurance and morbidity and mortality conferences, as well as grand rounds led by visiting faculty. In addition, fellows partake in a monthly journal club and engage in ICU administration committee meetings.

Rotational experiences include critical care surgery and trauma, critical care anesthesiology, and opportunities in ultrasound and research. Elective rotations allow for further specialization, thus enabling fellows to explore various aspects of surgical critical care during their training period, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience that prepares them for future practice in the field 1.

Application Process

The application process for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at UNMC requires candidates to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in general surgery. The program currently offers two fellowship positions. To apply, prospective fellows need to submit several documents, including a personal statement, current curriculum vitae (CV), USMLE scores, ABSITE scores, and two letters of recommendation. Applications can be submitted directly to the program coordinator via email or through the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service. Selected candidates will be invited for a formal interview at UNMC 2.

Benefits

Fellows in the program will benefit from a supportive environment that fosters the development of clinical skills in research, education, and patient care. The program offers various benefits, such as paid vacation, professional leave, health insurance, and on-call meal allowances on top of their annual salary. The resources available for wellness are robust, including access to an on-site fitness facility, counseling programs, professional development resources, and campus events that prioritize trainee wellbeing 3.

Unique Aspects

UNMC places special emphasis on collaborative experiences among different critical care disciplines. The fellowship provides opportunities to work alongside fellows from critical care anesthesia and neurocritical care programs, enhancing the learning experience through interdisciplinary clinical exposure. The environment also highlights the importance of inclusion and promoting a culture of belonging within the institution.

UNMC's commitment to physician wellness includes a dedicated wellness team and multiple resources aimed at supporting fellows' physical and mental health throughout their fellowship training. This comprehensive wellness approach ultimately contributes to the success of fellows, both during and after their training 4.

Visa Sponsorship

The program recognizes the diversity and unique experiences that international medical graduates (IMGs) bring to the institution and supports various visa types for eligible candidates. The program can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating qualified applicants who require such sponsorship to fulfill their training 5.