MASSACHUSETTSThe UMass Memorial Medical Center
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY:The Physician Assistant (PA) Residency in Critical Care is a new program of the Critical Care Operations Committee of the UMass Memorial Medical Center. The first PA resident entered the program in January 2008. The residency is a 12-month program with both didactic and structured clinical components that accepts highly motivated new graduates or experienced PAs with an interest in critical care medicine. The program can accept up to six PAs, and there are multiple entry points at different times of the year. PA residents will rotate through medical and surgical, adult and pediatric ICUs, working with intensivists, physician residents, and experienced PAs and nurse practitioners (NPs). They will benefit from at least 160 hours of didactic instruction specific to the program, in addition to the many interdisciplinary lectures, conferences, and meetings currently in place. The program will award a certificate upon successful completion, and certification from the Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant (ARC-PA) is in progress. AFFILIATIONS:The PA residency is affiliated with the UMass Memorial Medical Center. ADMISSIONS TIMETABLE:The 12-month program is designed to accept three PA residents every 6 months, in January and July. Other starting points are possible by individual arrangement. CURRICULUM:Our comprehensive didactic program is based on the curriculum outlined by the Society for Critical Care Medicine, which serves as a model for physician fellowships in this specialty. Contact the program for full details. The curriculum also includes courses offered by specialty societies, including Fundamentals of Critical Care, Pediatric Advanced Life Support, and Advanced Trauma Life Support. CREDENTIAL AWARDED:A certificate will be awarded to PA residents who successfully complete the program. Application to ARC-PA for accreditation as a clinical postgraduate PA program is in process. ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:In addition to a written application and personal statement, applicants must submit an academic transcript from their PA program; three letters of recommendation, including one from the director of their PA program (if a new graduate); and be available for an interview with program staff in Worcester, Massachusetts. Assistance with travel expenses will be considered. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must be graduates of an accredited PA program (or expect to graduate by the time they begin the residency) and be eligible for licensure in Massachusetts. SELECTION CRITERIA:Applicants will be selected on the basis of demonstrated academic and clinical achievement, commitment to practice in a critical care environment, motivation, communication skills, and overall maturity. FINANCIAL INFORMATION:There are no fees or tuition. PA residents are temporary employees of UMass Memorial Medical Center and receive a salary of $60,000 a year. PA residents receive full employee benefits, including medical, dental, and life insurance, as well as 26 days a year of paid time off. There is a practice allowance of $1,000 a year, which can be used for licensing fees, books, or other educational expenses. PA residents are responsible for their own housing arrangements. CONTACTS:Christina Bailey Ryan O’Gowan, PA-C John McIlwaine, DO Robert Ligeti, PA-C, MBA, MPH |