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Critical Care

The critical care subspecialty rotation is designed to provide a comprehensive fund of knowledge regarding the care of critically ill patients in the post-surgical or trauma setting. There are two surgical intensive care units (SICUs) with different patient populations - the Trauma Surgical ICU and the Surgical ICU. The SICU team consists of anesthesia, emergency medicine and surgical residents as well as a fellow and critical care attending staff working as consultants with the primary surgical or trauma services. The residents are expected to become facile at management of ventilators, support of failing organ systems, care of trauma patients, and the use of invasive monitors. There are daily rounds and formal didactic sessions for the residents.

Resident Perspective

The ICU rotation offers a wonderful chance to work in a team environment. While the call schedule is intensive (either Q4 or Q3), the non-call days are great for didactic learning and procedures. The month is filled with the opportunity to place lines, work with cutting edge monitoring systems (PICCO2), use various ventilator modes (MMV, PS, AC, SIMV, etc.), and learn to manage patients in the post-operative setting.