University of Utah Health Program

The section of Critical Care Medicine at the University of Utah’s Department of Anesthesiology offers a one-year ACGME-accredited Anesthesiology Critical Care Medicine (CCM) Fellowship, as well as a two-year ACGME-accredited fellowship for emergency medicine-trained physicians. The program prepares physicians for leadership roles in critical care medicine, culminating in board eligibility through the American Board of Anesthesiology. Up to two positions are available annually, providing extensive training across specialty ICUs within the University of Utah and its affiliated hospitals.1

Training Sites

Fellows will engage in clinical practice across various intensive care units, which include:

• Surgical ICU (SICU) – caters to trauma patients and those requiring postoperative care.
• Cardiovascular ICU (CVICU) – focuses on cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgery patients, including those needing mechanical circulatory support.
• Neuro Critical Care Unit (NCC) – managed for neurology and neurosurgery patients, especially post-emergency interventions.
• Huntsman Cancer Institute ICU (HICU) – dedicated to oncological patients with complex medical needs.
• George Wahlen Salt Lake City Veterans Affairs Medical Center SICU (VA SICU) – offers care to veterans with diverse surgical and critical care requirements.

These settings provide over 125 ICU beds accommodating a diverse patient population, thereby exposing fellows to a variety of critical care scenarios throughout their training.2

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes a structured rotation schedule comprising:

• 12 weeks in the Cardiovascular ICU
• 8 weeks in the Surgical ICU
• 6 weeks in the Neurology/Neurosurgery ICU
• 4 weeks in the Medical ICU
• 4 weeks in the Burn ICU
• 4 weeks in Echocardiography
• 2 weeks in the Huntsman Cancer Center ICU
• 2 weeks in the Surgical ICU at the VA
• 6 weeks of elective rotations

Opportunities for optional electives include palliative care, nephrology, and critical care transport. A sample block schedule illustrates how diverse medical areas are integrated, supporting robust clinical experience.2

Research and Scholarly Activity

Active participation in research is a requirement, allowing fellows to engage in a variety of scholarly activities, such as initiating research projects, collaborating with residents, or presenting at conferences. Mentorship from faculty will aid fellows in navigating their research interests and ensuring a productive fellowship experience.1

Teaching and Didactic Exposure

The fellowship prioritizes the development of future educators in CCM, involving fellows in lecturing and supervising residents. Initial training includes a two-week session on vital critical care topics followed by ongoing weekly didactic sessions. This structure reinforces both clinical and educational competencies throughout the fellowship.2

Application and Requirements

Applicants must complete the San Francisco Match application process, including a CAS application, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and academic transcripts. Specific requirements include a strong background in anesthesiology or emergency medicine, with special consideration for previous experience in intensive care settings.1

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants. Typically, J-1 or H-1B visas are available to candidates who require support to participate in the fellowship program.1

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is considered competitive, welcoming applicants from both MD and DO backgrounds, including those trained internationally. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in critical care through their previous clinical experiences.1

Living in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City is known for its vibrant community and access to outdoor activities, including world-class skiing and mountain biking. The metropolitan area boasts affordable living, excellent job opportunities, and proximity to stunning national parks, making it an ideal living environment for fellows during their training.2