Westchester Medical Center Program

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program at Westchester Medical Center provides a comprehensive training experience designed for physicians preparing for a leadership role in surgical critical care. This program has received ACGME accreditation and is affiliated with New York Medical College, situated within a 920-bed quaternary care academic hospital, which is recognized for its extensive trauma and surgical critical care services.

Program Overview

The fellowship is rooted in a legacy of excellence established by its founders and has consistently trained surgical intensivists who excel in academic and clinical roles. As an ACS designated Level I Trauma Center, the program is equipped with over 50 ICU beds, a telehealth center, and 24-hour e-ICU support across all ICU beds, facilitating advanced and innovative training for fellows.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship includes a structured curriculum with extensive clinical exposure. Fellows spend the majority of their time (nine months) rotating through the Surgical/Trauma Intensive Care Unit (SICU/TICU), managing complicated cases in trauma and general surgery. This includes direct mentoring from faculty who are dual board-certified in both general surgery and critical care medicine.

In addition to the primary unit, fellows rotate through:

• Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (2 weeks)
• Burn Surgery Intensive Care Unit (2 weeks)
• e-ICU (2 weeks)
• Anesthesia (2 weeks)
• Four weeks of vacation

Each rotation is designed to build skills necessary to manage critically ill patients, perform procedures, and lead multidisciplinary rounds.

Didactic and Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes continuous education through didactic lectures, journal clubs, and research meetings. Weekly international tele-grand rounds and guest lectures by expert faculty offer exposure to current advancements in surgical critical care. Fellows are also expected to engage in research projects under the guidance of dedicated mentors within a robust research infrastructure that supports publication and presentations at national and international conferences.

Fellows have the opportunity to participate in the Trauma Research Fellowship, gathering experience analyzing trauma databases to contribute to evidence-based practices.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of the Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at Westchester Medical Center is the emphasis on innovation. This includes telehealth initiatives aimed at improving patient outcomes and engagement. Furthermore, the program uniquely prepares graduates for national and international leadership roles while fostering a supportive educational environment.

Additional opportunities encompass exposure to advanced critical care techniques such as ECMO and tele-ICU, alongside experience in managing complex surgical pathology.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is friendly towards DO and IMG applicants, offering visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, thereby accommodating international candidates seeking a comprehensive training platform within the United States.

However, entry into the fellowship is competitive, and applicants must demonstrate strong clinical performance, academic achievement, and a commitment to the field.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit an extensive application which includes:

• Completed application form
• Medical School Transcript
• USMLE/COMLEX Scores
• Three Letters of Recommendation
• Personal Statement outlining motivation for surgery and critical care
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (Dean's Letter)

Candidates must be ECFMG certified if applicable to be eligible for the fellowship. Additionally, there are no specific limitations regarding the educational timeline, making it inclusive of recent graduates and those with flexible training histories.

Conclusion

Fellows at the Westchester Medical Center's Surgical Critical Care Fellowship Program are well-equipped for future careers in surgical intensive care, benefiting from a curriculum that balances clinical practice, research opportunities, and a supportive educational environment.1