Surgical Critical Care Program

Overview

Massachusetts General Hospital has cared for critically ill patients since its inception in 1811. Over the years, we have developed a systematic approach for treating these patients. Key components include:

• Advanced notification and real-time communication between transferring community hospitals and Mass General
• A team of surgeons who stay in the hospital 24 hours per day, 7 days per week
• Training and established protocols for all personnel, from EMTs to surgeons

All surgeons in our division are experienced intensivists with qualifications and credentials in critical care. As a result, surgeons oversee the full continuum of care for a patient, from the Emergency Department to the operating room to the Surgical Intensive Care Unit through transition to a general care bed or rehabilitation.

Multifaceted Expertise

Our surgeons are complemented by a rich network of professionals in the Mass General Trauma Center, including:

• Chaplains
• Nurses
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Respiratory therapists
• Social workers

We work closely with specialists in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Department of Neurosurgery, the Department of Emergency Medicine and other services, offering a breadth and depth of expertise available at few other institutions.

Rehabilitation

Our team includes an attending physician from the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Mass General and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital who guides the patient's rehabilitation care at Mass General from the day of admission. If the patient is later transferred to Spaulding or another facility, we handle all the paperwork to ensure he or she has a seamless transition.

Education and Training

One of the first of its kind in the country, our Surgical Critical Care/Acute Surgery Fellowship allows surgeons to develop advanced proficiency in managing all aspects of the patient's surgical and intensive care needs. We also train residents in the Mass General Surgical Residency Program, where we emphasize the critical care aspects of surgery.

Leading-edge Research

Our division regularly conducts clinical and basic science research projects focusing on various areas of critical care. Patients may have the option to take part in clinical research projects involving the latest treatments and technologies.