USA Health Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at the University of South Alabama offers a one-year intensive training experience designed to develop leadership skills in the care of critically ill surgical patients. Training takes place in a dynamic environment characterized by a high volume of trauma and surgical cases, complemented by a robust clinical education structure that includes various subspecialties.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship focuses primarily on managing critically ill surgical patients in the surgical trauma intensive care unit (STICU). The critical care fellows spend approximately nine months in the STICU, burn intensive care unit, or neuro intensive care unit, with opportunities for two months of elective rotations. This provides a diverse learning experience, enhancing clinical decision-making skills and the management of complex surgical patients.

The clinical experience is complemented by daily rounds with attending faculty, who engage fellows in formal and informal educational opportunities. Weekly conferences are integral to the program, including trauma and critical care lectures, journal clubs, and morbidity and mortality sessions, ensuring fellows are up-to-date with current practices and research in the field.

Clinical Training Sites

The University of South Alabama houses one of the state's few Level 1 trauma centers, admitting over 1,400 trauma patients annually with an emphasis on a 80% blunt trauma and 20% penetrating trauma. This exposure is crucial for fellows, as they learn to manage traumatic injuries from initial resuscitation through to post-operative care. The STICU is a 16-bed unit, offering a mix of trauma, neurosurgery, and general surgery cases, enabling fellows to experience a wide range of conditions and surgical interventions.

Autonomy and Customization

What distinguishes the program is its commitment to providing fellows with a customizable experience that aligns with their educational and career aspirations. This autonomy is enhanced by the fellowship's relatively small size, fostering close relationships among faculty and fellows, which is beneficial for mentorship, collaboration, and support throughout the training.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in both clinical and basic science research throughout their year. This structure allows fellows to contribute to ongoing projects, develop their own research ideas, and publish their findings, thereby enhancing their academic experience and advancing their professional development within the surgical critical care community.

Application Process and Requirements

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and requires applicants to submit their materials via the Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship Application Service (SAFAS). Candidates must have completed an accredited general surgery residency and be board eligible or certified by the American Board of Surgery. The program does not impose a strict limit on the number of attempts for the USMLE exams, but prior passes are evaluated during the selection process.

International Medical Graduates (IMGs) can apply, but the program only sponsors J-1 visas. This is particularly important for potential candidates, ensuring they are aware of the visa requirements affecting their eligibility.

Fellowship Environment and Competitiveness

The program maintains a supportive and collegial environment. Fellows and faculty collaborate closely, promoting a culture that values holistic education and professional growth. The fellowship's competitiveness is moderate; while strong candidates are sought, the program is noted for its friendliness towards candidates from both DO and IMG backgrounds.

Resident Life and Well-Being

Recognizing the rigorous demands of surgical training, the program emphasizes resident well-being, cultivating a balanced environment that encourages personal time and participation in planned activities with family and peers. This commitment to supporting the physical, psychological, and professional health of fellows is reflected in the positive feedback amongst current and past fellows.

Conclusion

The University of South Alabama's Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is an exemplary opportunity for those looking to specialize in surgical critical care within a supportive, high-acuity environment. The program's unique structure, emphasis on autonomy, and collaborative spirit are key aspects that enrich the training experience.