Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Program

Overview of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Virginia Commonwealth University

The Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program located in Richmond, Virginia. This program operates at Central Virginia's only Level I Trauma Center, which manages approximately 4,500 trauma activations each year. The fellowship aims to prepare its fellows comprehensively to handle critically ill patients suffering from trauma, burns, and surgical conditions across various specialties while participating in the operative management of complex cases under supervision.

Clinical Experience

During their training, fellows primarily work within the Surgery and Trauma Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at VCU Health. This involves mastering the management of critically ill patients from various specialties. They will participate in and eventually lead daily rounds, as well as perform necessary bedside procedures, including tracheostomies, PEGs, and chest tubes. The fellowship also focuses on cultivating skills in point-of-care ultrasound and limited echocardiography.

Educational Opportunities

Fellows have access to numerous educational opportunities to enhance their learning experience, such as:

• Weekly Trauma Teaching Rounds to discuss operative management and prepare for trauma call.
• International Trauma Tele-Grand Rounds in partnership with the Panamerican Trauma Society.
• Elective rotations in anesthesia, burn surgery, cardiac ICU, medical ICU, or global surgery.
• Certification as instructors for Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) and Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET).

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, with a requirement for fellows to complete at least one research or quality improvement project during their year. This ensures that fellows are not only gaining clinical experience but also contributing to the advancement of medical knowledge in the field of surgical critical care.

Conference and Collaborative Learning

The fellowship includes attending several key conferences, including:

• Weekly trauma conferences focusing on the peer review of complications and interesting cases.
• International trauma grand rounds to discuss challenging cases with global experts.
• Annual conferences such as the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma’s meeting and the VCU Health Rao Ivatury Trauma Symposium.

Training Environment

VCU Health encompasses 1,125 beds and its central trauma ICU (STICU) manages an average of 50 patients daily, including those in neuro, transplant, and burn critical care. The emergency department receives over 100,000 visits yearly, providing a high-volume, dynamic learning environment.

Application Process

The fellowship utilizes the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) for slot allocation, accepting applications through the SAFAS application starting in February through August each year. Candidates must submit several essential documents, including:

• A photo
• Three letters of recommendation (one from the current program director if in a training program)
• Certified copies of medical school diploma and transcript
• A contemporary curriculum vitae
• A personal statement

Interviews are mainly scheduled for May, June, and July.

Visa and International Applications

The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs), and specifics can be discussed during the application process. Types of visas typically supported include J-1 and H-1B visas.

Competitiveness and Applicant Criteria

The surgical critical care fellowship at VCU is highly competitive, welcoming applicants from all medical backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs. There are no specific graduation year requirements or limits on failed STEP exams stated; however, candidates must demonstrate strong academic and professional qualifications.