Cardiovascular Critical Care (CICU)

Program Overview

Pediatric Cardiovascular Critical Care is a two-year clinical fellowship that provides a comprehensive training program for fellows interested in leading the field of cardiac critical care. The purpose of this program is to provide an advanced fund of knowledge and specialized skills in the management of cardiac medical and surgical patients, including ventricular assist device (VADS), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), emphasizing the critical nature of the patient’s recovery in the early postoperative course.

Fellows spend several months in the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CICU), working alongside Intensivists with backgrounds in Cardiac Surgery, Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine, Anesthesiology, and Cardiovascular Surgical Care. The faculty provides opportunities for the fellow to acquire an in-depth knowledge of critical care and advanced clinical skills in the post-operative care of cardiac surgical patients. Fellows will function as integral members of the ICU team and are responsible for the initial assessment, plan, and follow-up of all patients.

The program offers excellent clinical exposure, promotes self-directed education, and fosters the refinement of the fellow’s scientific and academic pursuits. Educational opportunities are tailored to suit each fellow’s needs and interests and consist of mentoring, monthly journal clubs, evidenced-based case presentations, morbidity and mortality conferences, hands-on experience, and self-education.

The program also offers elective rotations, including Cardiology, Pulmonology, and Cardiac anesthesia. Fellows with research interests are strongly encouraged to use elective time to develop and pursue clinical or basic science investigations and are expected to present their work at national conferences.

Goals and Objectives

The overall goal of the Pediatric Cardiovascular Critical Care fellowship is to prepare the fellow for independent practice. The goals and objectives are set to meet the six core competencies developed by the ACGME-I framework, these include:

  • Develop a comprehensive and physiology-based understanding of evolving illness in children with congenital heart disease.
  • Incorporate information from ancillary diagnostic studies into the construction.
    Of the therapeutic plan.
  • Develop a comprehensive and physiology-based understanding of emerging organ system failure and insufficiency that requires intensive care.
  • Demonstrate competency in resuscitation and stabilization of an acutely decompensating or arresting child with heart disease.
  • Develop an understanding of and participate in the post-operative care of patients with congenital heart disease.
  • Demonstrate competency in handling end-of-life issues.

Clinical Training and Key Rotations

Fellow rotations will be tailored by their background training to achieve maximum exposure and knowledge diversity.

Key Rotations
Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit
Pediatric Cardiac Anesthesia
Interventional Cardiology
Electrophysiology Rotation
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Neuro-Imaging Rotation
Research

Entry Requirements

  • Completion of an ACGME-I accredited or equivalent training program in Pediatric Cardiology or Critical Care.
  • Board certification in Pediatric Cardiology or Critical Care.
  • Hold a valid Medical License or be eligible for licensure in Qatar (click here for more details).

Contact Information