The Anesthesia Critical Care Medicine (ACCM) fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania has been specifically designed to prepare fellows for a career in Anesthesiology with an emphasis on Critical Care Medicine. With the ever expanding role of Anesthesiologists in academic medicine, as well as the private sector, we understand that there are a variety of interests with subspecialty focus within the broader field of Critical Care. To accommodate these interests, while continuing to train the best and brightest, we offer 5 fellowship tracks. These tracks range from 1 – 2 years in length and all culminate in Board eligibility for Critical Care Medicine by the American Board of Anesthesiology.
Track 1: Traditional
This traditional ICU track is designed to maximally expose fellows to the field of surgical critical care while, at the same time, exposing the trainee to both cardiothoracic and neurosurgical critical care. The 12 months are divided as follows (the specific order can be individualized):
7 months: General Surgical ICU
1 month: Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU (CTSICU)
1 month: Neurosurgical ICU (NICU)
3 months: Elective
Track 2: Cardiothoracic Emphasis
This track is designed for those candidates who wish to spend a greater amount of time in our cardiothoracic surgical ICU. The 12 months are divided as follows (the specific order can be individualized):
4 months: General Surgical ICU
4 months: Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU (CTSICU)
1 month: Neurosurgical ICU (NICU)
3 months: Elective
Track 3: Neurosurgical Emphasis
This track is designed for those candidates who wish to have a greater exposure to neurosurgical critical care. The 12 months are divided as follows (the specific order can be individualized):
4 months: General Surgical ICU
4 months: Neurosurgical ICU (NICU)
1 month: Cardiothoracic Surgical ICU (CTSICU)
3 months: Elective
Track 4: Combined Critical Care / Cardiac Anesthesia
This track is a 24 month long fellowship that culminates in board eligibility for Critical Care Medicine and Cardiac Anesthesia by the American Board of Anesthesiology. Candidates must be accepted into both the Critical Care fellowship and the Cardiac Anesthesia fellowship. The program consists of the ACGME mandated 9 months of Critical Care, 9 months of Cardiothoracic Anesthesia and 6 months of elective. An individualized curriculum will be constructed by Drs. Kohl and Cheung, along with the fellow, to maximize overlap of the two disciplines over the 24 month period.
Track 5: Combined Critical Care / Research
This track is designed for those fellows wishing to remain in academic Anesthesia who have a strong interest in either clinical or basic research. The 24 months consists of 12 months Critical Care (Tracks 1, 2, or 3) and 12 months research. An individualized program will be designed by Dr. Kohl and the fellow to allow sufficient overlap between the two years.
In addition to the ACGME mandated 9 months in Critical Care (to be eligible for board certification), a number of electives can be scheduled, including:
- Research
- Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE)
- Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- Neuroradiology
- Thoracic radiology
- Hyperbaric Medicine
- Medical ICU
While in the ICU, fellows will learn how to effectively manage a team of residents, medical students, nurses, and other ancillary staff, on daily rounds. There are numerous conferences scheduled throughout the week which fellows are encouraged to attend. Furthermore, as the ability to present information in a larger venue is felt to be an important part of training, fellows will be required to give several lectures throughout the year.
Track 6: Acute Care Anesthesiology
This track is unique and the first offered in the U.S. The focus is on initial stabilization and resuscitation during ‘the golden hour’ for patients who are in traumatic or septic shock, or undergoing emergency procedures. It is intended for those residents who seek to develop expertise in trauma/EMS systems, emergency preparedness/disaster management or global health. The curriculum consists of the ACGME mandated 9 months of Critical Care followed by 15 months of intensive work, including research, in the desired area of subspecialization.
Sub-specialty tracts
A fellow will ideally select one focus tract, but may design their second 15 months to reflect a combination of any of the following:
1. Trauma and Emergency Medical Systems
- Pre-hospital care, ground and air transport, scene safety, crash dynamics, systems development
- Anesthetic management of resuscitative and surgical care patients with complex, multi-system injuries; neurologic and orthopedic, major trauma vascular and thoracic cases, burns; regional anesthesia/pain management
- 3-6 months of overseas outreach in research, training or educational activities
- Focus on hospital and/or regional preparedness for natural or manmade disasters
- Response team and facilities preparation for local, national or international disasters
*The first 12 months will be completed at the home institution. The second year of fellowship may be spent at ‘exchange’ institutions that offer expertise and focused training in specific areas of interest.
Finally, fellows are encouraged to participate in some scholarly project during their year of critical care. This has been intentionally defined vaguely in order to allow trainees the ability to explore various opportunities. Some recent scholarly projects include:
- Co-authoring a chapter on a Critical Care topic
- Design of an ICU study with proposal submission
- Presentation of abstract at meeting
- Participation in research with designated mentor
In short, the University of Pennsylvania is a diverse, multifaceted institution with virtually unlimited resources for the motivated applicant. For further information, please contact:
Benjamin Kohl, MD
Director, Critical Care Fellowship Program
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care
Perelman School of Medicine
Now Accepting Applications for the 2014 CCM Fellowship Class
Selection to the fellowship is competitive. Please send the following required documents:
- Completed Fellowship Application Form (PDF - Can be filled in electronically)
- Updated CV
- Personal statement
- Passport sized photo
- USMLE Scores (copy)
- Copy of medical school diploma (copy)
- Copy of Dean's letter and medical school transcript (copy)
- In-Training Examination scores (copy)
- Three (3) letters of recommendation addressed to Benjamin Kohl, MD
Please send all documents, except letters of recommendation, in a single envolope or email to the address below. Please instruct writers of your letters of recommendation to send their letters to the same address.
Send application materials to:
Jane R. Maugeri
Administrative Coordinator for Critical Care Medicine Fellowship
Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care
University of Pennsylvania Health System
5 Dulles, 3400 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104