Overview
The ECMO Training Track is an optional pathway within the UF Critical Care Fellowship, designed to provide in-depth exposure to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for up to two fellows. This track offers hands-on experience in patient selection, cannulation, circuit management, troubleshooting, and multidisciplinary coordination. Fellows will gain practical knowledge through structured clinical experiences, additional call responsibilities, and focused elective opportunities.
Training Experience
Clinical Immersion
Fellows in the ECMO Training Track will participate in additional clinical shifts within the critical care units, gaining firsthand experience managing ECMO patients alongside experienced faculty and ECMO specialists.
Emergency Resuscitation Service (ERS) Involvement
Participants will have opportunities to take additional on-call responsibilities focused on emergent ECMO activations, patient stabilization, and ongoing care coordination. This includes working with teams in the ED, Cath Lab, and ICU to ensure smooth transitions of care for critically ill patients.
Procedural Training
Fellows will gain experience in ECMO cannulation techniques, but the training goes beyond procedures. The focus is on understanding patient selection, circuit physiology, anticoagulation strategies, and troubleshooting ECMO-related complications.
Dedicated ECMO Time
Structured clinical time in ECMO-intensive environments allows fellows to deepen their understanding of ECMO management, including:
– Identifying candidates for ECMO therapy.
– Managing patients on VA and VV ECMO.
– Recognizing and addressing circuit complications.
– Working with a multidisciplinary team, including cardiac surgery, perfusionists, and ECMO specialists.
Certification & Education
Fellows will participate in formal ECMO education, including simulation sessions, case discussions, and structured didactics. Completion of an ELSO-approved ECMO course is encouraged to ensure a strong foundational knowledge of ECMO principles.
Research & Scholarly Activity
As part of the track, fellows will engage in ECMO-related scholarly work, contributing to research, quality improvement initiatives, or case series. The goal is to enhance both clinical expertise and academic contributions in the field of ECMO.
Elective Opportunities
To further supplement ECMO training, fellows may participate in:
- ECMO Specialist Shifts – Additional bedside experience managing circuits.
- Heart Failure Cardiology Rotation – Understanding mechanical circulatory support in advanced heart failure.
- Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) Training – Developing imaging skills relevant to ECMO patient management.
The UF Critical Care Fellowship ECMO Training Track provides a structured yet flexible learning experience, preparing fellows to become competent and confident in managing ECMO patients. Whether pursuing a career in critical care, resuscitation, or mechanical circulatory support, this track offers the necessary foundation for hands-on learning, procedural training, and multidisciplinary collaboration.
For questions, please contact the specialty-specific Program Director.