ICU Rotation
Curricular Milestones
Gathering essential and accurate information about the patient.
1. Accesses all available data, including patient record, laboratory data, imaging
results, location and age of invasive lines, and electronic record
2. Expresses information to the ICU team on rounds in the context of the patient’s
baseline and trend over the ICU course
3. Identifies the patient’s surgical procedure(s) and stage in postoperative recovery,
expresses information to ICU team on teaching rounds
Making informed decisions about diagnostic and therapeutic interventions based on
patient information and preferences, up-to-date scientific evidence, and clinical
judgment.
1. Utilizes the appropriate lab tests and imaging studies, interprets results, and
evaluates efficacy of critical care management
2. Manages co-existent medical disease in post-surgical patients
3. Interprets laboratory and imaging results and develops critical care management
plan
4. Recognizes clinical scenarios in which involvement of surgical or medical colleagues
is necessary
Developing and carrying out patient management plans.
1. Develops appropriate plan for critical care tailored to the needs of the individual
patient Teaching Rounds
2. Supervises junior residents, students in establishing appropriate monitoring or
access.
3. Works with nursing staff to establish safety and appropriate timing of procedures to
be performed
4. Recognizes and responds appropriately and in a timely manner to significant
changes in the patient’s condition
5. Communicates management strategies with patient, family members, and
collaborating primary physicians and consultants
Performing competently the medical and invasive procedures relevant to surgical
critical care
1. Demonstrates independent proficiency in airway management, establishing
peripheral and central lines, arterial catheters, pulmonary artery catheters,
2. Demonstrates knowledge of indications for specialized procedures, such as
bronchoscopy, chest tubes, advanced ventilatory management, wound management.
3. Discusses risks of procedures unique to the patient with devices, including ECMO,
left ventricular assist devices, intra-aortic balloon pumps
4. Participates in anesthetic management of bedside procedures such as percutaneous
tracheostomy/G tube placement, or other invasive bedside procedures requiring
anesthesia
5. Uses ultrasound in placement of invasive central lines, difficult arterial lines
The resident will communicate effectively to create and sustain a therapeutic and
ethically sound relationship with patients and families
1. Identifies self and other members of the health care team and explains role
appropriately to patient and/or care givers/family members
2. Respects patient/family dignity and confidentiality
3. Uses language and terminology appropriate to the developmental/educational level
of the patient and/or caregivers/family members
4. Obtains written informed consent, using knowledge and judgment, explains
anesthetic management to patients such that the plan and its risks, benefits and
alternatives are understood
5. Arranges and participates in patient-family conferences
6. Accepts and integrates input from nursing, surgical, and consultant teams when
developing a plan
7. Receives handover from OR and anesthesia teams, integrates information into new
plan of patient care
Use effective listening skills and elicit and provide information using effective
nonverbal, explanatory, questioning, and writing skills
1. Uses effective listening skills to elicit information
2. Maintains complete, accurate progress and procedure notes
3. Manages patients effectively using computerized order entry
4. Accurately and thoroughly describes patient situation, background, assessment and
plan to team assuming care (OR, midlevel providers, nursing)
Work effectively with others as a member or leader of a health care team or other
professional group
1. Interacts with staff in a professional and courteous manner
2. Demonstrates the ability to discuss patient care issues with surgeons and
consultants in a collegial, non-confrontational manner
Demonstrate respect, compassion, and integrity; a responsiveness to the needs of
patients and society that supercedes self-interest; accountability to patients, society,
and the profession; and a commitment to excellence and on-going professional
development.
1. Interacts with patients and families in a compassionate manner
2. Indicates self-awareness and a knowledge of one’s own limits by recognizing the
need for guidance and supervision, requesting assistance appropriately
3. Demonstrates a commitment to on-going professional development through regular
attendance at division conferences and reading medical literature
4. Lecture attendance
5. Is open to and responds favorably to constructive criticism and feedback by
improving behavior and/or skills
Demonstrate a commitment to ethical principles pertaining to provision or
withholding of clinical care, confidentiality of patient information, informed consent,
and business practices
1. Adheres to the laws and rules governing the confidentiality of patient information
2. Obtains proper informed consent from patient or family member/legal guardian,
recognizing the situational need for determining competence
The resident will understand the reciprocal impact of personal professional practice,
health care teams, and the health care organization on the community/society.
1. Requests and gives help when needed
2. Demonstrates respect, support and understanding to team members
3. Facilitates experience of junior residents by supervision and triaging patient care
issues