University of Tennessee Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship program at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) offers a comprehensive one-year training experience designed to enhance the skills and knowledge required for managing acute surgical problems and critical care. The program places a strong emphasis on evidence-based practices and develops fellows to deliver exceptional care in one of the nation’s busiest trauma centers.

During the fellowship, participants not only broaden their medical expertise but also gain significant experience in patient interaction, enhancing care practices, and integrating their clinical roles within the broader health care system. The curriculum encompasses a rich mix of didactic and clinical learning, ensuring that fellows emerge as competent surgeons ready to tackle the complexities of trauma and surgical critical care responsibilities.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is organized into core rotations that span across various critical care units, including the General Surgical ICU, Trauma ICU, and Burn ICU for a total of 8 months in the first year. Each fellow is tasked with leading rounds and assisting with necessary procedures in these high-stakes environments. Additional elective rotations, such as ultrasound, palliative care, and others in subspecialties like pediatric trauma and neurocritical care, are also available to enrich the educational experience.

In the second year of fellowship, trainees integrate more fully into the clinical call schedule, allowing them to gain exposure to the daily challenges and responsibilities faced by attending surgeons, as well as to pursue additional elective opportunities in vascular, transplant, and cardiothoracic surgery.

Research Opportunities

UTHSC is known for its robust research environment, and fellows are encouraged to engage in original research projects during their fellowship. The large-volume trauma center provides a fertile ground for investigations and clinical inquiries. Mentorship from approachable faculty members is a key feature of this program, further promoting fellows' academic growth and the development of a scholarly portfolio.

Unique Training Facilities

The program partners with several notable training facilities including:

• Regional One Health: The only Level 1 trauma center in Memphis, providing a wide range of trauma services and specialized burn care.
• Le Bonheur Children's Hospital: Recognized as a premier pediatric trauma center, providing specialized care for children.
• Baptist Memorial Hospital - Memphis: A major teaching hospital that provides diverse training experiences.
• Methodist University Hospital: The principal teaching hospital for the UTHSC, well-equipped for managing critical adult medical cases.

Conferences and Educational Activities

The fellowship's educational environment is enhanced by regular conferences, including:

• Trauma/Surgical Critical Care Conference: Held weekly to cover fundamentals of care.
• Turnover Conference: A daily briefing on overnight admissions and treatment plans.
• Morbidity and Mortality Conference: For discussing significant patient care events.
• Journal Club: A monthly meeting focusing on critical analysis of recent literature.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides comprehensive benefits including competitive compensation, access to insurance plans, annual leave, sick leave, educational leave, and FMLA options for personal matters. Furthermore, fellows are provided with essential resources such as lab coats, library access, and facilities for continued education. The base salary is supplemented with additional stipends for those who participate in specific insurance programs.

Application Process and Requirements

The application for the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship requires several elements: current photograph, personal statement, medical school transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores (with passing scores), and three letters of recommendation. Only candidates who have completed or are Board Eligible for General Surgery can apply. The review process is conducted through the SAFAS mechanism, with interviews held in person.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates. Specific visa types that may be supported include the J-1 visa and potentially the H-1B visa, subject to the fellowship's policies and the applicant's qualifications, allowing non-U.S. graduates the opportunity to join this prestigious program.

Competitiveness and Qualifications

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is competitive, attracting both U.S. and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program supports graduates from both MD and DO backgrounds, fostering an inclusive and diverse training environment for talented candidates.