Holistic and Interdisciplinary Approach to Surgical Critical Care (KISC)

4 units

This KISC aims to provide learners with the skills needed to excel in the unique and challenging environment of the Surgical Intensive Care Unit. This course is a combination of education and instruction on critical care concepts, hands-on skills sessions, and case-based discussions, revolving around longitudinal, clinical care of critically ill patients. Students will integrate into one of the ICU teams, participating in rounds each morning by formulating a care plan for each of their patients. Afternoon education sessions will revolve around core concepts in critical care medicine, such as mechanical ventilation, shock, and transfusions, while also exploring more holistic topics, such as leading a medical team, family meetings, and post-ICU placement. Students will examine the question of how health equity, race, and ethnicity play significant roles in outcomes for critically ill patients through interactions with the ICU social workers, who are an integral part of the ICU team and help address some of the profound barriers to health that critically ill patients can experience. In addition, time will be spent exploring some of the cutting-edge areas in critical care, including telemedicine, the digitization of healthcare, and the role of artificial intelligence. Multiple hands-on skill sessions led by faculty and fellows that cover the basics of line placement, airway management, ICU monitoring, and ultrasound assessment will also be established using simulation and 3D models. Upon completion of this rotation, students will have a greater grasp of the complex, multi-faceted approach needed to treat these complicated and critically ill patients.