Specialty:
Surgical critical careACGME Code:
4424721007The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship program offers a comprehensive, two-year educational experience designed to cultivate advanced skills in surgical critical care, trauma, and emergency surgery. This program includes an ACGME-approved residency in Surgical Critical Care, alongside AAST-approved training in the management of emergency general surgery (EGS) and trauma patients.
The instructional framework emphasizes mentorship, a gradual increase in clinical responsibilities, and a mix of hands-on, didactic, and self-directed learning opportunities. The program focuses on honing clinical expertise while fostering academic and professional growth through structured components in clinical, educational, administrative, and research or academic development.
Program Structure
The fellowship is divided into two distinct years:
- First Year: Fellows embark on an ACGME-approved Surgical Critical Care experience. They are involved in the management of critically ill patients across various intensive care units (ICUs), including Surgical, Trauma, Cardiovascular, and Burn ICUs, as well as the Veterans Administration SICU. Continuous oversight is provided by board-certified critical care faculty, ensuring high-quality mentorship and direct involvement in patient care.
- Second Year: Upon successful completion of the first year, fellows transition to an AAST-approved Acute Care Surgery experience. They receive an ongoing graduate medical education (GME) appointment and credentialing as Instructors of Surgery. In this year, fellows actively direct patient care on trauma, EGS, and burn services while engaging in advanced administrative tasks and educational responsibilities.
Weekly conferences and structured oversight facilitate the continuous development of fellows' clinical decision-making and operative skills. The program also highlights opportunities for additional specialization, such as a Burn Fellowship option for those wishing to emphasize burn surgery in their careers.
Fellowship Opportunities
The Vanderbilt surgical service accommodates a diverse range of complex cases, with notable statistics indicating over 5,000 adult trauma admissions annually and a high volume of surgical procedures across various specializations. Fellows are exposed to opportunities that enhance their clinical acumen in multidisciplinary care settings, offering hands-on education through experience in leading surgical teams and engaging in extensive case discussions.
Research and Academic Development
Fellows actively engage in research initiatives, benefitting from a robust support system for scholarly work, which includes monthly research meetings and statistical advising. They are encouraged to pursue their independent research projects and participate in multicenter studies coordinated by reputable organizations like the AAST and EAST.
Application Process
Applicants must have completed an accredited general surgery residency program and are encouraged to apply through SAFAS. They should provide ECFMG certification documentation if they are international medical graduates. The program is known to be competitive, and early application submission is advised due to rolling interviews. Fellows accepted into the program are provided with J-1 visa sponsorship, enabling them to work in the United States.
Facilities and Training Sites
The fellowship is conducted within several state-of-the-art medical facilities on the Vanderbilt University campus, including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, and the Nashville Veterans Administrative Medical Center (VAMC). This collaborative environment enhances the training experience by exposing fellows to a wide range of clinical scenarios and interdisciplinary teams.
Benefits and Support
The fellows receive comprehensive health insurance, professional liability coverage, and a retirement savings plan with matching contributions. Various educational opportunities are also made available, including access to advanced trauma courses like ATLS, ATOM, and ASSET, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared to encounter the challenges of contemporary surgical practice.
Conferences and Continuing Education
The program supports continuous learning through a well-structured conference schedule, providing fellows exposure to the latest advancements and techniques in surgical critical care and trauma management. This educational commitment is reflective of the program's mission to cultivate leaders in surgical care.
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Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First Year Average Weekly Hours:
70 hoursFirst Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty:
28 hoursFirst Year Salary:
$83,138First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Admission
Location
Nashville, TN
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Living in Nashville, TN
- Crime Rate and Safety
Nashville has a moderate crime rate, with some areas experiencing higher crime than others. It is important to stay informed about the safety of different neighborhoods. - Fun Activities
Nashville is known for its vibrant music scene, with numerous live music venues and events throughout the city. There are also parks, museums, and a variety of dining options to explore. - Climate
Nashville experiences all four seasons, with hot summers and mild winters. Spring and fall are particularly pleasant times of the year. - Races and Population
Nashville is a diverse city with a mix of different races and cultures. The population is growing steadily due to its popularity as a place to live and work. - Education
Nashville is home to several universities and colleges, offering educational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. - Cost of Living
The cost of living in Nashville is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the US, but housing costs have been increasing in recent years. - Nearby Cities
Larger cities like Memphis (about 3 hours drive) and Atlanta (about 4 hours drive) are within a reasonable driving distance from Nashville. Each city offers its own unique attractions and cultural experiences. - Pros
Rich music and cultural scene, diverse population, moderate cost of living compared to other big cities. - Cons
Some areas have higher crime rates, housing costs are rising, traffic can be congested during peak times.
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