Vanderbilt University Medical Center Program

The Vanderbilt University Medical Center Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery Fellowship program offers a comprehensive, two-year educational experience designed to cultivate advanced skills in surgical critical care, trauma, and emergency surgery. This program includes an ACGME-approved residency in Surgical Critical Care, alongside AAST-approved training in the management of emergency general surgery (EGS) and trauma patients.

The instructional framework emphasizes mentorship, a gradual increase in clinical responsibilities, and a mix of hands-on, didactic, and self-directed learning opportunities. The program focuses on honing clinical expertise while fostering academic and professional growth through structured components in clinical, educational, administrative, and research or academic development.

Program Structure

The fellowship is divided into two distinct years:

1. First Year: Fellows embark on an ACGME-approved Surgical Critical Care experience. They are involved in the management of critically ill patients across various intensive care units (ICUs), including Surgical, Trauma, Cardiovascular, and Burn ICUs, as well as the Veterans Administration SICU. Continuous oversight is provided by board-certified critical care faculty, ensuring high-quality mentorship and direct involvement in patient care.
2. Second Year: Upon successful completion of the first year, fellows transition to an AAST-approved Acute Care Surgery experience. They receive an ongoing graduate medical education (GME) appointment and credentialing as Instructors of Surgery. In this year, fellows actively direct patient care on trauma, EGS, and burn services while engaging in advanced administrative tasks and educational responsibilities.

Weekly conferences and structured oversight facilitate the continuous development of fellows’ clinical decision-making and operative skills. The program also highlights opportunities for additional specialization, such as a Burn Fellowship option for those wishing to emphasize burn surgery in their careers.

Fellowship Opportunities

The Vanderbilt surgical service accommodates a diverse range of complex cases, with notable statistics indicating over 5,000 adult trauma admissions annually and a high volume of surgical procedures across various specializations. Fellows are exposed to opportunities that enhance their clinical acumen in multidisciplinary care settings, offering hands-on education through experience in leading surgical teams and engaging in extensive case discussions.

Research and Academic Development

Fellows actively engage in research initiatives, benefitting from a robust support system for scholarly work, which includes monthly research meetings and statistical advising. They are encouraged to pursue their independent research projects and participate in multicenter studies coordinated by reputable organizations like the AAST and EAST.

Application Process

Applicants must have completed an accredited general surgery residency program and are encouraged to apply through SAFAS. They should provide ECFMG certification documentation if they are international medical graduates. The program is known to be competitive, and early application submission is advised due to rolling interviews. Fellows accepted into the program are provided with J-1 visa sponsorship, enabling them to work in the United States.

Facilities and Training Sites

The fellowship is conducted within several state-of-the-art medical facilities on the Vanderbilt University campus, including the Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC), the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, and the Nashville Veterans Administrative Medical Center (VAMC). This collaborative environment enhances the training experience by exposing fellows to a wide range of clinical scenarios and interdisciplinary teams.

Benefits and Support

The fellows receive comprehensive health insurance, professional liability coverage, and a retirement savings plan with matching contributions. Various educational opportunities are also made available, including access to advanced trauma courses like ATLS, ATOM, and ASSET, ensuring that fellows are well-prepared to encounter the challenges of contemporary surgical practice.

Conferences and Continuing Education

The program supports continuous learning through a well-structured conference schedule, providing fellows exposure to the latest advancements and techniques in surgical critical care and trauma management. This educational commitment is reflective of the program’s mission to cultivate leaders in surgical care.