University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in Chattanooga is a one-year accredited program designed for advanced training in surgical critical care. This fellowship is integrated with the general surgery residency at the Erlanger Medical Center, which serves as the primary training site. Erlanger Medical Center is a tertiary referral center that includes its own flight program, utilizing two Aeromedical helicopters to transport patients over a 120-mile radius. The program is approved by the Surgery Residency Review Committee for a maximum of two fellows per year, providing ample opportunity for intense training and learning.

Each fellow spends ten months actively involved in the Surgical Critical Care Service, catering to a diverse patient population including trauma, general surgery, vascular, and obstetrical critical care patients, with an average daily census of 20-24 patients. Additionally, fellows have the opportunity to engage in one-month electives, such as burn management and pediatric critical care, enhancing the scope of their expertise. The program uniquely features experiences in continuous renal replacement therapy and airway pressure release ventilation, essential skills in high-acuity environments 1.

Curriculum and Goals

The curriculum is meticulously structured to address complex surgical and medical issues within critically ill surgical populations. The program focuses on fostering advanced proficiency in managing critically ill surgical patients while developing the qualifications necessary for supervising surgical critical care units. Integral educational resources are provided, enabling residents to acquire significant knowledge and skills necessary for leadership roles in teaching and research 2.

Residents will master advanced technologies for patient monitoring and intimate knowledge of organizational aspects of critical care units. A range of competencies is developed throughout the year, including but not limited to the management of cardiorespiratory resuscitation, traumatic injuries, metabolic and endocrine imbalances, and ethical aspects of surgical care. The curriculum emphasizes both didactic learning and practical, supervised training to enhance critical care skills related to respiratory, circulatory, neurological, renal, gastrointestinal, and infectious disease management 2.

Research Opportunities

The program prioritizes the development of clinical research projects, expecting every fellow to present findings at national meetings and work towards publication in peer-reviewed journals. Notably, a dedicated laboratory facility equipped for conducting cytokine assays supports the fellows' research endeavors. Fellows are also expected to gain exposure to protocol development and participate in various administrative committee meetings, simulating responsibilities typically seen in an ICU director’s role 1.

Faculty

The fellowship is supported by a knowledgeable faculty team, consisting of board-certified general surgeons, all of whom have expertise in surgical critical care. Faculty members maintain a focus on mentorship and guidance, facilitating an enriching learning environment for fellows. The program director and faculty are involved in various surgical disciplines, reinforcing the multidisciplinary approach of the fellowship 4.

Applicant Information

Applications are accepted from candidates at the PGY-4 level or higher, who are currently engaged in a Categorical General Surgery residency or those who are board eligible in General Surgery. The program also emphasizes inclusivity and diversity in its applicant pool, participating in the NRMP Special Surgical Critical Care Match for placement in the fellowship. Notably, the program only considers applications from graduates of LCME or AOA accredited medical schools, ensuring that all candidates meet the necessary licensing requirements for Tennessee 6.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for international medical graduates to support their application process. The specific visa types that may be sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating a diverse group of applicants who wish to pursue their training in surgical critical care within the United States.

Competitiveness

The program is noted for its competitive nature, generally appealing to both DO graduates and internationally trained medical graduates (IMGs). Potential candidates should realize that maintaining a strong academic background and demonstrating experience in relevant surgical fields will enhance their chances of acceptance.

Key Resources

Fellowship applicants and residents benefit from various resources designed to facilitate their academic and professional growth, encompassing guidelines from the American College of Surgeons and AAMC 7.