Critical Theory or Accepted Practice? Combining Careers in Critical Care Medicine and Gastroenterology

Excerpt

Advanced fellowship training in gastroenterology (GI) has become increasingly popular over the past decade [1]. After completing a traditional 3-year GI fellowship, graduates often opt to pursue an additional fourth year of training in therapeutic endoscopy, transplant hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease, or motility disorders, though less conventional options also exist, including critical care medicine (CCM). In the USA, CCM fellowship has historically been coupled with pulmonology such that approximately 80% of physicians who become certified in CCM are also certified in pulmonology [2]. Yet, alternative pathways are available for those who have completed fellowships in other medical specialties such as GI. According to the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM), fellows who complete training in an accredited internal medicine subspecialty lasting 2 or more years can become certified in CCM with the completion of one additional year of clinical training [3]. Although the combination of gastroenterology and critical care medicine is not common from a training perspective, there is substantial clinical and academic overlap between the two disciplines, creating the opportunity for enhanced patient care and clinical research. Here, we provide an overview of the opportunities and obstacles associated with a dual career in GI and CCM and describe our individual experiences and career goals. …