WakeMed Health and Hospitals Program

The WakeMed Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program is a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed for medical professionals seeking advanced training in the care of critically ill patients. This program operates at the WakeMed Raleigh Campus, a highly regarded level I trauma center, which sees over 4,000 trauma patients yearly. The program emphasizes a comprehensive educational experience, aimed at cultivating skills necessary for American Board of Surgery Certification in Surgical Critical Care.

WakeMed’s facilities feature a dedicated surgical intensive care unit (ICU), along with three medical ICUs and a pediatric ICU, ensuring that fellows receive diverse and high-quality training. Furthermore, the program is supported by a dedicated faculty known for their expertise in surgical education and mentorship, providing fellows with personalized support tailored to their learning needs 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the fellowship encompasses multiple core rotations, including the Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU), Neuro-ICU, Medical ICU (MICU), and Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU (CTSICU), alongside various elective opportunities. Unique aspects of training include hands-on experience in Emergency General Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Advanced Ultrasonography, Airway Management, and participation in the Advanced Surgical Skills for Exposure in Trauma (ASSET) course. This extensive training prepares fellows for the demands they will face as independent surgical intensivists 2.

Fellows are also encouraged to engage in clinical research activities, broadening their understanding of surgical critical care and enabling them to contribute to advancing practices in the field 3.

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed, or be on track to complete, an ACGME-accredited program in general surgery, urology, neurosurgery, or obstetrics and gynecology. Furthermore, applicants must be board-eligible or certified by the American Board of Surgery and eligible for a medical license in North Carolina. Required application materials include the completion of USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3, along with three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the residency program director. Following application submission through the SAFAS platform, selected candidates will be invited for virtual interviews with the program director and faculty 4.

Visa Support

The program offers support for visa sponsorship, enabling international medical graduates to apply. The most common visa types sponsored include the J-1 visa and H-1B visa, which facilitate the participation of qualified candidates from abroad in the fellowship.

Competitiveness

The WakeMed Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is considered competitive, attracting applicants with diverse backgrounds. It welcomes professionals from various medical schools, including international and osteopathic graduates. The program appreciates applications from distinct educational pathways and recognizes the unique contributions that each applicant can offer.

Benefits

Fellows at WakeMed benefit from a range of programs aimed at promoting their well-being. The fellowship offers healthcare coverage, on-site fitness facilities, and various discounts on child care and local vendors. Paid leave options comply with ACGME guidelines, including provisions for vacation and sick leave. On-call fellows receive meal tickets, ensuring they are well supported during duty hours 5.

Educational Opportunities

Educational growth is a priority within the fellowship. Fellows participate in a variety of conferences such as weekly morbidity and mortality meetings, resident review conferences, and monthly trauma peer reviews. They are also eligible for travel funding to present scholarly work at conferences, allowing them to engage with the broader medical community 6.

Rotation and Learning Environment

The structured rotations within the fellowship cover critical areas such as surgical trauma, pediatric intensive care, and advanced imaging techniques, all essential for developing a well-rounded skill set in surgical critical care. The collaborative environment fosters interdisciplinary teamwork, allowing fellows to refine their leadership and communication skills while working alongside general surgery residents, pharmacy residents, and surgical physician assistant fellows 7.

Life in Raleigh

Fellows will enjoy residing in Raleigh, North Carolina, a city frequently recognized for its high quality of life. The region features abundant outdoor recreational areas, a vibrant cultural scene, and a cost of living that remains competitive relative to national averages. With housing options that range from urban to suburban, fellows can easily find accommodations that suit their lifestyle preferences 8.