Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Critical Care Fellowship Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is designed to offer comprehensive multidisciplinary critical care training over one or two years, depending on the physician's prior training. This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and fulfills all necessary requirements for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) and the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) 1.

Aligned with national professional society standards, the fellowship's interviews are conducted virtually, ensuring equity for all applicants and no in-person site visits 1. The program emphasizes its commitment to recruiting from diverse backgrounds and fostering an inclusive environment for all fellows 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum within the Critical Care Fellowship is robust, emphasizing the training of intensivists capable of practicing in various critical care settings, whether in community hospitals or academic institutions 3. The primary training site is the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, a tertiary referral center equipped with specialty intensive care units (ICUs) 3.

The fellowship includes core rotations comprising several specialized ICUs such as the Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, and Trauma ICU, among others. Additionally, there are opportunities for elective rotations, allowing fellows to customize their training paths 3.

Rotations and Experiences

Fellows experience diverse clinical rotations including Cardiovascular, Neurosciences, and Advanced Heart Failure ICUs. A unique rotation is available at High Point Medical Center, allowing fellows to gain experience in a community hospital setting 3. The program promotes active engagement in ICU triage and quality improvement initiatives, enhancing practical skills essential for future practice 3.

Fellows are encouraged to explore elective opportunities across subspecialties like Pulmonology, Nephrology, and Infectious Diseases, providing a well-rounded training experience 3.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the fellowship, and each fellow has dedicated time to pursue scholarly activities under faculty mentorship. Fellows are expected to complete at least one peer-reviewed abstract or article during their training 4.

Faculty and Leadership

The faculty in this fellowship is composed of experienced physicians and researchers specialized in various fields of critical care. Mentorship is a strong focus of the program, providing fellows with access to knowledgeable leaders in the field 1.

Application Process

The application process for the fellowship requires candidates to have completed residency in Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine from an ACGME-accredited program 4. Application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) is mandatory, alongside submitting essential documents such as USMLE scores, a curriculum vitae, and letters of recommendation 4.

International medical graduates are considered for the fellowship, provided they have completed relevant residency training and can secure appropriate visas, such as J-1 or green cards for work authorization 4.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The Critical Care Fellowship Program is noted for its competitive nature, attracting a significant number of applications for limited positions. Candidates are encouraged to demonstrate strong academic and clinical backgrounds, especially with U.S. clinical experience enhances their profiles 4. Furthermore, applicants are typically expected to have completed the USMLE, ideally with no more than two failed attempts at each step 4.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows at Wake Forest University are compensated with a competitive salary and provided with comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance, along with other supportive resources 1.

Overall, the Critical Care Fellowship at Wake Forest is structured to provide in-depth training in critical medicine alongside opportunities for research, professional development, and community engagement, making it a prime choice for aspiring intensivists.