Goals & Objectives

Become proficient in critical care knowledge in the following areas:

1. Cardiothoracic-respiratory resuscitation;
2. Physiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and therapy of disorders of the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, neurologic, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and immune systems as well as of infectious diseases;
3. Metabolic, nutritional, and endocrine effects of critical illness;
4. Hematologic and coagulation disorders;
5. Critical obstetric and gynecologic disorders;
6. Trauma, thermal, electrical, radiation, inhalation and immersion injuries;
7. Monitoring and medical instrumentation;
8. Critical pediatric surgical conditions;
9. Pharmacokinetics and dynamics of drug metabolism and excretion in critical illness;
10. Ethical and legal aspects of surgical critical care;
11. Principles and techniques of administration and management;
12. Biostatistics and experimental design;

Become proficient in critical care skills in the following areas:

1. Respiratory airway management including endoscopy and management of respiratory systems;
2. Circulatory: invasive and non invasive monitoring techniques, including transesophageal and precordial cardiac ultrasound and application of transvenous pacemakers, computations of cardiac output and of system and pulmonary vascular resistance; monitoring electrocardiograms and management of cardiac assist devices;
3. Neurological: the performance of complete neurological examinations; use of intracranial pressure monitoring techniques and the electroencephalogram to evaluate cerebral function; application of hypothermia in the management of cerebral trauma;
4. Renal: the evaluation of renal function, peritoneal dialysis and hemofiltration, knowledge of the indications of complications of hemodialysis;
5. Gastrointestinal: utilization of gastrointestinal intubation and endoscopic techniques in the management of the critically ill patient; application of enteral feeds, management of stomas, fistulas, and percutaneous catheter devices;
6. Hematologic: application of autotransfusion, assessment of coagulation status, appropriate use of component therapy;
7. Infectious Disease: classification of infections and application of isolation techniques, pharmacokinetics, drug interactions, and management of antibiotic therapy during organ failure, nosocomial infections, indications for applications of hyperbaric oxygen therapy;
8. Nutritional: application of parenteral and enteral nutrition, monitoring and assessing metabolism and nutrition;
9. Monitoring/bioengineering: use and calibration of transducers, amplifiers, and recorders;
10. Miscellaneous: use of special beds for specific injuries; employment of pneumatic antishock garments, traction, and fixation devices.