Fellows from the UF Departments of Anesthesiology, Neurology, and Surgery gathered together in August for the seventh annual Multidisciplinary Critical Care Medicine Boot Camp, alongside a select group of anesthesiology residents. This intensive two-day program serves as a crucial introduction to the complexities of critical care medicine at UF Health, providing a foundational experience for future leaders in the field.
The boot camp utilizes a blended learning approach. Faculty experts presented lectures over breakfasts and lunches, enabling participants to immerse themselves in the hands-on simulation training during the rest of the day. This year’s curriculum emphasized vital skills, including advanced cardiovascular life support team training, mechanical ventilation basics, and an introduction to advanced circulatory support devices such as intra-aortic balloon pumps, Impella, and left ventricular assist devices. A significant portion of the program was dedicated to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), covering patient selection, pump function, cannulation techniques, circuit configurations, and troubleshooting common bedside challenges.
“I am truly humbled by the commitment, teamwork, and enthusiasm displayed by those involved, and I deeply appreciate the effort each person contributed to make this program such a success,” said Peggy White, M.D., associate professor of anesthesiology and director of our critical care medicine fellowship. White has been spearheading this multidisciplinary initiative since the inaugural boot camp in 2019.
The boot camp’s success is a testament to the collaborative spirit among the many teams who work in critical care medicine at UF Health. In addition to White, Department of Anesthesiology faculty Janos Geli, M.D., Ph.D., Everett Jones, M.D., Marc Maybauer, M.D., Ph.D., Charlie Slowey, MBBCh, and Bharath Vasudevan, MBBS, M.D., generously shared their expertise through lectures and simulation leadership. Additionally, colleagues from the Departments of Surgery, Emergency Medicine, and Otolaryngology contributed their valuable knowledge, including John Bruno, M.D., Neil Chheda, M.D., Kirsten Freeman, M.D., and Irina Murray, M.D. Many thanks to the faculty, healthcare workers, and administrative staff who worked hard to make this boot camp a success.
The UF Department of Anesthesiology’s Critical Care Medicine Fellowship offers unparalleled training opportunities. This boot camp is just one example of the program’s commitment to providing fellows with the knowledge, skills, and collaborative experiences necessary to excel in the demanding field of critical care medicine.