University of Tennessee Medical Center at Knoxville Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program at the University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine offers a comprehensive and advanced training experience for physicians seeking to specialize in this vital field. This ACGME-accredited fellowship prepares candidates for board certification in Surgical Critical Care, focusing on achieving the highest level of care for critically ill surgical patients.

The program spans two years and includes an extensive yearlong experience as an Acute Care Surgeon alongside a Physician Executive MBA (PEMBA) from the University of Tennessee Haslam College of Business. This unique combination enables fellows to acquire both surgical expertise and essential business acumen, thereby enhancing their leadership capabilities in the hospital environment.

Program Structure

The fellowship offers a structured approach to training, consisting of one year dedicated to ICU experience and another year focused on acute care surgeries. During the MBA segment, participants will engage in topics including operational flow management, financial principles, and negotiation techniques tailored specifically for healthcare environments. This integration of surgical training and business education is designed to shape future leaders in surgical critical care.

Facilities and Patient Care

The fellowship is highly integrated with the Division of Trauma and Surgical Critical Care within the Department of Surgery. The affiliated university medical center serves as the primary site for clinical training and is recognized as a state-designated and ACS-verified Level 1 Trauma Center, treating over 7,500 patients annually. The Trauma Surgical Intensive Care Unit, equipped with 32 adult surgical ICU beds, admits around 5,000 trauma patients each year, 30% of whom require critical care services. Fellows may also rotate through various critical care units, including a Cardiovascular ICU, Medical ICU, and Neurocritical Care Unit, providing a well-rounded experience.

Responsibilities and Expectations

During the fellowship, participants are expected to take on leadership roles within the Surgical Critical Care Service. This includes managing patient care alongside a multidisciplinary team that comprises dual board-certified trauma attendings, residents, nurse practitioners, and other specialists. The fellow’s responsibilities also encompass facilitating multidisciplinary consultations and engaging in medical education for residents, students, and nursing staff.

Research plays a pivotal role in the fellowship, and fellows are encouraged to undertake clinical and basic science research projects that contribute to the advancement of trauma and critical care practices.

Application Process