UPMC Medical Education (Harrisburg) Program

The Critical Care Fellowship at UPMC Harrisburg is a two-year, ACGME-approved program designed to prepare participants for a successful career in critical care medicine. The program offers three fellowship positions each year for candidates who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in either Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine. The mission of the program emphasizes the integration of innovative, evidence-based medical practices with a strong commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. This holistic approach is aligned with the program's core values of equality, diversity, and inclusion, while also promoting a healthy work-life balance for fellows.

This fellowship is relatively new, having commenced in July 2023, and operates in close cooperation with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, which boasts the world’s first dedicated critical care training program established in 1961 1.

Application Process

UPMC Harrisburg participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). All applicants must register with these services. Applications for the fellowship are accepted starting July 5, 2023, and only applications submitted through ERAS will be considered. Notably, UPMC Harrisburg offers visa sponsorship for H1B and J1 visas, which aids international medical graduates in pursuing this fellowship 1.

Clinical Rotations

The first year of the fellowship includes a comprehensive orientation period where fellows participate in a “Fellows Boot Camp.” This introductory phase consists of hands-on training in diverse critical care procedures such as ventilator management, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), difficult airway management, and central line and chest tube insertion. Following the boot camp, fellows rotate through the Medical/Surgical ICU (MSICU) and may also experience the Cardiovascular ICU. The MSICU rotation is designed to provide fellows with ample exposure to a multidisciplinary clinical setting, working alongside a team of APPs (advanced practice providers), residents, medical students, and experienced nurses 1.

During their first year, fellows also have opportunities to augment their training through rotations in specialty services like Infectious Disease, Pulmonology, and Palliative Care, including bronchoscopy experiences. Additional electives may encompass Anesthesia, Thoracic Surgery, and various other critical care pathways. As they progress into their second year, fellows assume a junior attending role, which emphasizes leadership, teaching skills, and the management of multidisciplinary teams 1.

Teaching and Mentorship

Education is a core aspect of the fellowship. A myriad of teaching opportunities allows fellows to engage with rotating residents and medical students. By the second year of fellowship, senior fellows participate as “Junior Attendings,” taking on additional teaching responsibilities while being closely supervised by experienced faculty. Established mentorship is also integrated into the program, with fellows assigned mentors from the outset to assist them with their transition from residency to fellowship, including support for research initiatives 1.

Training Hospitals

Fellows will receive training across various prestigious training sites such as UPMC Harrisburg, UPMC Community Osteopathic, UPMC Mercy, and UPMC West Shore. These diverse environments provide exposure to a plethora of clinical experiences, enhancing the fellow's learning. Notably, the UPMC system features advanced facilities like the surgical skills and simulation laboratories, where fellows can enhance their procedural skills in a no-risk environment 1.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program places a significant emphasis on scholarly activities, providing fellows dedicated time and resources to engage in research projects. Each fellow collaborates closely with GME research coordinators and statistical coordinators, ensuring they acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for academic publishing and research 1.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive salary and benefits, which include 21 days of paid time off (PTO), educational days, and support for conference attendance. This robust support system ensures fellows have the resources they need to thrive both academically and personally during their fellowship 1.