Clinical description

The Intensive Care Unit is staffed by five RCPSC sub-specialty certified Intensivists and two general Internists with additional training in critical care. The ICU is a 17-bed multidisciplinary unit that is staffed using a closed model where the intensivist is the most responsible physician. There are approximately 650 adult admissions per year. Case-mix is approximately 50% medical and 50% surgical including neuro-trauma. A broad range of medical and surgical specialists and services supports the ICU team. Only patients requiring cardio-thoracic surgery, organ transplantation, and care in a dedicated major burn unit are routinely referred elsewhere. 

Trainee expectations

Trainees rotating in the ICU will be given graded responsibility based on level of training and experience. There is only one trainee on service at any given time providing ample experience with common ICU procedures. While the rotation may be offered to residents at all levels, it is usually recommended for residents in years 2 and higher. A four-week block is considered standard. The resident will take part in daily ward rounds Monday through Friday and take primary responsibility for a selected number of patients. Call frequency is 1:4.