Educational Program Goals and Objectives
The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a well-established, independent program designed to provide advanced training in the care of critically ill patients.
The fellowship program is under the directorship of Dr. Houssein Youness, who is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease, and Critical Care Medicine, with extensive experience in clinical care, research, and medical education.
The program aims to provide a rigorous intellectual and clinical environment that prepares trainees to acquire the knowledge, skills, clinical judgment, and professionalism essential for independent practice as critical care physicians. We support fellows in achieving their career aspirations, whether in academic medicine, education, or clinical leadership.
Fellows gain expertise in the diagnosis and management of a wide spectrum of critical illness across diverse ICU settings, including medical, surgical, cardiothoracic, neurocritical, and trauma ICUs. Clinical experiences emphasize both primary management and consultative roles under the supervision of experienced critical care faculty. The curriculum is enriched by simulation, multidisciplinary conferences, and structured didactics.
Fellows develop progressive autonomy, with the expectation that they lead ICU teams, conduct family meetings, coordinate interdisciplinary care, supervise residents and students, and perform bedside procedures with graduated supervision based on demonstrated proficiency. Procedural training exceeds competency thresholds early in fellowship, supporting fellows' readiness for independent critical care practice.
Opportunities for scholarly activity and quality improvement are integrated into the fellowship, fostering skills in research, systems-based practice, and leadership in critical care delivery.
Accreditation
Our Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is a one- or two-year program administered through the University of Oklahoma College of Medicine and operated by the Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine within the Department of Medicine. The duration of training depends on the fellow’s prior subspecialty training. The program is designed in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). We provide comprehensive didactics and robust clinical experiences that meet and exceed the requirements for training in critical care medicine. As an ACGME-accredited program, all individuals completing the fellowship will be eligible for board certification in Critical Care Medicine.