University of Rochester Medical Center Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Rochester Medical Center is a one-year, ACGME-accredited program offered by the Division of Acute Care Surgery. This fellowship is designed for those who have completed a general surgical residency or are in their third year of postgraduate training, providing a comprehensive experience in trauma and surgical critical care. The program fulfills the requirements for Added Qualifications in Surgical Critical Care certification by the American Board of Surgery after one year of fellowship training.

The fellowship is conducted in advanced clinical settings, including the Kessler Family ICU and the Surgical ICU, both of which have been recently constructed to meet high standards of care for trauma and surgical patients. The program has a strong commitment to training, with two fellows per year, overseeing a 25-bed Kessler Family ICU and a 12-bed Surgical ICU within a Level 1 Trauma Center, catering to both pediatric and adult surgical critical care needs.

Curriculum

The fellowship program’s curriculum is structured to provide a balanced educational experience. Rotations are split between the Kessler Family ICU and the Surgical ICU, where fellows care for patients undergoing liver transplants, vascular surgeries, oncological surgeries, and burn management. Additional elective experiences are available in Trauma/Emergency Surgery and various critical care units, including Medical Intensive Care Units (MICUs) and specialized Pediatric or Cardiac ICUs. This diversity in clinical exposure enriches the fellowship experience and prepares fellows for various aspects of surgical critical care practice.

Clinical Experience and Facilities

The Kessler Burn and Trauma Center operates as the state-designated Level 1 Trauma Hospital for the Finger Lakes Region, managing approximately 2,000 trauma patients annually. The Emergency Department serves 80,000 visits per year and is bolstered by a robust EMS ground and air transport system, ensuring quick access to acute care services.

Research Opportunities

The program offers substantial opportunities for research in surgical critical care, encouraging fellows to engage in quality improvement projects and clinical research. Support is available for presentations at national conferences, which can enhance academic profiles and contribute to ongoing medical education.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program is highly competitive, typically attracting a strong pool of candidates, including both MD and DO graduates. The application process comprises submission via the National Resident Matching Program and requires completed SAFAS applications along with recommendations, personal statements, and passing USMLE scores. There are no specific minimum requirements for USMLE scores, yet all scores must be passing. Notably, there is no restriction regarding the time elapsed since medical school graduation.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates seeking to participate in the fellowship. Accepted visa types include J-1 and H-1B visas, aiding international fellows in obtaining the necessary documentation for successful matriculation into the program.

Living in Rochester

Rochester presents a serene living environment with a quality of life that ranks highly against national standards. The city’s cost of living is significantly below the national average, complemented by vibrant cultural and recreational offerings. Medical fellows often find an appealing community atmosphere, abundant housing options, and various lifestyle amenities like museums, parks, and dining experiences, making it an attractive place for both personal and professional development.

Fellow Resident Life

The fellowship emphasizes the importance of work/life balance, contributing to the well-being and success of its trainees. The supportive environment at the University of Rochester Medical Center is particularly noted by current and past fellows, who cite camaraderie and professional relationships as significant motivators for choosing this program.