University of Washington Program

The University of Washington Program in Surgical Critical Care offers several specialized tracks designed to provide comprehensive training in the management of critically ill surgical patients. The fellowship programs are fully accredited by the ACGME and integrate a wide range of clinical experiences to prepare fellows for careers as leaders in trauma and critical care.

Tracks Offered

The program features three distinct tracks, each focusing on different aspects of surgical critical care:

• Trauma-Surgical Critical Care Track: This track includes four available positions and emphasizes trauma system development and quality improvement programs. Trainees primarily gain experience at Harborview Medical Center's Trauma/Surgical ICU and also spend time at various hospitals, including Seattle Children's Hospital and University of Washington Medical Center. During the fellowship, each fellow is responsible for overseeing 10-15 critical care patients daily and participates in various rotations, including MICU, burn, and anesthesiology rotation. The fellowship lasts for one year and prepares graduates for the Surgical Critical Care certificate from the American Board of Surgery.1
• Burn-Surgical Critical Care Track: This track has two available positions focused on burn injury management along with surgical critical care. Fellowship training occurs at Harborview Medical Center, where fellows manage both acute and long-term care for burn patients and take a leading role in surgical management. This track does not participate in the NRMP match but offers positions on a rolling basis. Graduates are also eligible for certification from the American Board of Surgery.2
• Cardiovascular-Surgical Critical Care Fellowship: This is a one-year fellowship with one position available, combining cardiovascular critical care and surgical critical care training. Located primarily at the University of Washington Medical Center, fellows take leadership roles in multidisciplinary teams within the Cardio-Thoracic Intensive Care Unit. Similar to other tracks, this fellowship also allows for professional development and board certification eligibility.3

Clinical Experience

Fellows engage in extensive hands-on clinical training across multiple facilities. Harborview Medical Center serves as the primary training location, offering unique learning opportunities given its status as the only Level 1 adult and pediatric trauma center in the region. In addition to the main ICU responsibilities, fellows are actively involved in managing complex cases, including ECMO patients, and administering care in various intensive care settings. The large volume and complexity of patients provide invaluable experience in surgical critical care.4

Research Opportunities

The University of Washington Program encourages fellows to participate in clinical research, aiming to enhance the fellows' understanding of surgical disease through the analysis and application of research findings. Collaborations are encouraged within the Harborview Injury Prevention Center and through various ongoing literature reviews and clinical trials. The fellowship program supports trainee scientists-in-training with mentorship opportunities to develop their research skills further.5

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship programs are reviewed and accepted the year before the fellowship year through the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). Each applicant is required to submit a comprehensive application, including an up-to-date CV, ABSITE and USMLE scores, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement detailing their career goals. Special considerations for each track include no NRMP match for the Burn-Surgical Critical Care Track, and thus applications review and interviews are conducted in the spring preceding the fellowship year.6

Competitiveness and Eligibility

The program is considered competitive, with applicants generally needing a strong academic background and clinical experience in surgery and critical care. Specific application requirements include completion of relevant examinations, such as ABSITE and USMLE. An emphasis on ensuring applicants have robust recommendations and articulate personal statements underlines the program's commitment to selecting candidates excelling in their academic pursuits and clinical interests.7

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports visa applications for international fellows, specifically for J-1 visas, facilitating opportunities for qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to participate in training. This inclusivity enhances the fellowship's multicultural environment, enriching the learning experience for all fellows.8

Living in Seattle

Seattle offers a vibrant urban culture with access to stunning natural landscapes. Fellows enjoy a range of outdoor activities as well as a dynamic restaurant scene and arts community. The region's mild climate, enriched by its geographical features, allows residents to experience both urban life and outdoor adventures, making it an appealing location for training and living.9