UPMC Medical Education Program

The Internal Medicine / Critical Care Fellowship at UPMC is a two-year, ACGME-accredited program that has been instrumental in training world-class intensivists for over 50 years. As part of the Multidisciplinary Critical Care Training Program (MCCTP), fellows engage in an enriching collaborative environment alongside peers and faculty from various specialized fields such as Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Anesthesiology, Surgery, Neurology, and Neurosurgery. This diverse cohort promotes a comprehensive educational experience that encompasses broad clinical exposure, interactive workshops, simulation training, and a blend of synchronous and asynchronous learning modes.1

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship is designed to provide extensive clinical experiences in a variety of settings, including Medical, Surgical, and subspecialty ICUs, which are critical for gaining insights into a wide array of ICU pathologies. The program allows fellows to rotate through different subspecialty ICUs focusing on unique areas like Neurovascular, Cardiothoracic, and Abdominal Transplant, enhancing their care techniques for specialized patient populations. The curriculum in the first year is characterized by concentrated ICU exposure combined with elective and scholarly time tailored to meet training requirements.1

Clinical Experience and Rotation Schedule

During the first year of the fellowship, the training is divided into 13 four-week blocks, predominantly focusing on critical care environments. A representative schedule may include blocks in various ICUs, including Mercy Medical/Surgical ICU and Trauma/Surgical ICU, alongside elective and research/scholarly project blocks. The second year shifts focus towards mastery of critical care competencies, with fellows empowered to customize their schedules to align with academic interests and mentorship opportunities. In this year, they engage in more advanced research and professional development activities which shape their pathway to becoming future leaders in Critical Care Medicine.1

Research and Scholarly Activities

The UPMC Critical Care Medicine Department boasts an impressive research portfolio with over $30 million in external funding, which includes multiple active R01-level grants. Fellows have access to a rich variety of research mentorship programs and can participate in educational research, quality improvement initiatives, and clinical trial designs alongside seasoned faculty mentors. Activities such as the annual Mitchell P. Fink Scholar Day provide valuable platforms for fellows to present their projects.1

Professional Development Opportunities

Structured mentorship is a core focus of the program, with a distinct professional track system that guides fellows in their advanced learning endeavors. This mentorship fosters leadership development and includes tracks tailored for research, medical education, and clinical leadership to equip fellows with the necessary skills for their future careers. Graduates often assume prominent leadership positions in critical care shortly after completing the fellowship.1

Application Process

Applications for the Internal Medicine / Critical Care Fellowship are channeled through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and are accepted from candidates who have completed an ACGME or ACGME-I residency in Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine. A limited number of positions (approximately 8-10) are available annually.1

Visa Support

The program is welcoming to international candidates and offers visa sponsorship, typically supporting J-1 and H-1B visa types. This provision is crucial as it allows qualified international medical graduates to participate fully in the fellowship program and gain invaluable clinical experience in the United States.1

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The fellowship is notably competitive, often attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including both DO and IMG candidates. While there is no specific cut-off for failed STEP exams mentioned, candidates who showcase strong clinical acumen and a solid understanding of critical care principles are preferred. Graduates from both recent and earlier cohorts have successfully transitioned into formidable careers in critical care medicine, emphasizing the strong foundational training the program offers.1