The fellows educational program begins with Critical Care Boot Camp. Utilizing simulation in the 40,000 sq. ft. Center for Education, Simulation and Innovation (CESI), fellows undergo training in the recognition and management of shock, sepsis, bronchoscopy, central venous catheterization, cardiac rhythm recognition, heart failure, neurocritical care emergencies, airway management (basic and advanced) as well as assessment of brain death and communication prior to any direct patient care. The fellows then participate in resident education as simulation instructors-in-training and guide the resident exposure to simulation modules on the recognition and management of shock, traumatic brain injury, sepsis and the technique of central venous catheterization. The fellows participate in a multidisciplinary approach to critical care in each of the three ICU’s.

Representatives from nursing, respiratory therapy and pharmacy support daily rounds and contribute to a team-approach to critical care. The 12 month fellowship includes rotation in all three ICU’s with time also spent in the PICU at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, palliative care, research, and one month of elective time. Additional experience in the use of hemodynamic monitoring (esophageal Doppler, pulse-pressure variation, pulmonary artery catheterization, continuous SVO2), advanced respiratory therapy (APRV, HFOV, various weaning modalities), ultrasonography (echocardiography and vascular), fiberoptic bronchoscopy and tracheostomy (percutaneous and open) are core components of the training program.