CICM Fellowship
Intensive care medicine organised around bedside cognition: physiology under pressure, organ support, hot cases, viva structures, and written-answer frameworks in one searchable critical-care atlas.
Ventilation, circulation, renal support, neurocritical care, and sepsis.
Mechanisms are tied to bedside signs and management moves.
Topics are framed for examination, ward-round, and viva recall.
First Part
Basic sciences made clinically visible: physiology, pharmacology, equipment, and monitoring.
Second Part
Clinical management, hot cases, and complex ICU scenarios for bedside examination prep.
Written Themes
Structured topic collections aligned with high-yield written and viva domains.
Abdominal Anatomy
Define/Describe - Overview of abdominal regions and divisions... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Abdominal Trauma
Answer: Quick Answer : Abdominal trauma evaluation requires systematic assessment combining clinical examination, imaging (FAST and CT), and laboratory investigations. Blunt injuries are managed non-operatively in...
Acalculous Cholecystitis in Critical Care
Post-cardiac surgery patient with unexplained sepsis and RUQ tenderness... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Acid-Base Disorders
Systematic Approach: pH → Primary disorder → Anion gap → Compensation → Delta ratio... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Acid-Base Physiology
Answer: Acid-base physiology describes the mechanisms that maintain arterial pH within the narrow range of 7.35-7.45. This regulation occurs through three integrated systems: chemical buffers (immediate), respiratory...
Acute Coronary Syndromes
Classification based on ECG and troponin: STEMI (ST elevation + troponin rise), NSTEMI (no ST elevation + troponin ri... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Acute Heart Failure in ICU
Nohria-Stevenson classification divides AHF into four profiles based on congestion (wet/dry) and perfusion (warm/cold... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
Acute Kidney Injury (Adult)
KDIGO 2012 Classification: Three-stage system based on creatinine and urine output... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Acute Kidney Injury Pathology
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is classified by KDIGO into Stages 1-3 based on creatinine rise and urine output. Pathophysiologically, AKI is divided into pre-renal (hypoperfusion), intrinsic (tubular, glomerular,...
Acute Liver Failure
Acute Liver Failure is a high-yield topic for CICM examinations, testing core ICU competencies:... CICM Second Part, FCICM exam preparation.
Acute Mesenteric Ischemia
Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a life-threatening surgical emergency caused by inadequate blood flow to the intestin... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Acute Pancreatitis
Diagnostic criteria: 2 of 3 (pain, lipase greater than 3× ULN, imaging)... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) - Adult
Comprehensive critical care guide to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome covering Berlin criteria, pathophysiology, lung-protective ventilation, prone positioning, ECMO, and evidence-based management for postgraduate...
Adrenal Crisis
Adrenal crisis is an acute, life-threatening state of cortisol deficiency that requires immediate recognition and treatm... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Alcohol Withdrawal in ICU
Compare symptom-triggered vs fixed-schedule benzodiazepine protocols (evidence, dosing, advantages)... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Amniotic Fluid Embolism
Hypoxia - Acute respiratory failure, cyanosis, pulmonary edema... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellowship Viva exam preparation.
Analgesia in ICU
Pain Assessment: "I would use the BPS or CPOT score, validated in non-communicative ICU patients, with a threshold of... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Anaphylactic Shock
Adrenaline is the ONLY first-line medication - IM 0.5 mg (1:1,000) into anterolateral thigh... CICM Second Part, ACEM Fellowship exam preparation.
Anticoagulation Reversal
Warfarin reversal: 4F-PCC 25-50 U/kg achieves INR below 1.5 in 10-30 minutes; vitamin K 5-10 mg IV for sustained reve... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Antimicrobial Pharmacology in Critical Care
Time-dependent killing (beta-lactams): efficacy depends on duration above MIC (%T MIC). Target 50-100% of dosing inte... CICM First Part Written, CICM First
Aortic Dissection
Beta-blockade FIRST: Esmolol or labetalol to target HR below 60 bpm (reduces dP/dt)... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
ARDS Pathology
Define/Describe - Berlin Definition, DAD as histopathological correlate... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Arterial Line Monitoring
An arterial line (arterial catheter) provides continuous invasive blood pressure monitoring and allows frequent arterial... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Ascites Management in Critical Care
Ascites and its complications are high-yield CICM Second Part topics appearing regularly in:... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam prepara
Asthma in ICU (Status Asthmaticus)
Comprehensive CICM Second Part clinical guide to Status Asthmaticus (acute severe asthma) in the ICU, covering pathophysiology, dynamic hyperinflation, auto-PEEP, mechanical ventilation strategies, permissive...
Atrial Fibrillation in ICU
Incidence 20–40% in ICU patients; new-onset AF (NOAF) associated with 2–4× increased mortality and prolonged ICU stay... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Australian Marine Envenomation
Immediate vinegar (4-6% acetic acid) for ALL jellyfish stings - inactivates undischarged nematocysts... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case e
Australian Snake Envenomation
Pressure Immobilisation Bandage (PIB) - DO NOT REMOVE until antivenom ready... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Australian Spider Envenomation
Funnel-web: Pressure Immobilisation Bandaging (PIB) immediately, CSL Funnel-Web Spider Antivenom, ICU admission... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part
Autonomic Nervous System Anatomy
Define/Overview - Division of autonomic nervous system, general organization... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Beta-Blocker and Calcium Channel Blocker Overdose
ABCDE, high-flow O₂, secure large-bore IV access (2 x 14G)... CICM Primary Written, CICM Fellowship Written exam preparation.
Blood Component Therapy
Restrictive transfusion (Hb 70 g/L): TRICC, TRISS, and TRICS-III trials support restrictive thresholds in most ICU po... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
Blood Gas Analyzers in ICU
Comprehensive guide to blood gas analyzer technology, measurement principles (pH electrode, Severinghaus CO2 electrode, Clark O2 electrode), co-oximetry, electrolyte measurement, lactate, pre-analytical errors, quality...
Bowel Obstruction
SBO vs LBO: Small bowel (60-70% adhesions) vs large bowel (50-60% cancer)... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Brachial Plexus and Regional Anaesthesia
Formation - Roots from ventral rami, contributions from C5-T1... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Bradyarrhythmias & Heart Block in ICU
Atropine 0.5-1 mg IV (max 3 mg) - first-line for symptomatic bradycardia... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Brain Death and Organ Donation
Brain death and organ donation appear in multiple CICM exam formats:... CICM Second Part, FCICM exam preparation.
Brain Injury Pathology - Primary and Secondary Injury Mechanisms
Define Primary vs Secondary Injury - Temporal and mechanistic distinction... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Breaking Bad News in Intensive Care
Breaking bad news is one of the most challenging and frequent tasks in intensive care practice. Studies indicate ICU cli... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellow
Bronchiolitis
Key Clinical Features : Coryza prodrome (1-3 days) followed by cough, tachypnoea, wheeze, crackles Work of breathing: subcostal and intercostal recession, nasal flaring, grunting Hypoxia (SpO2 <92%) indicating need...
Bronchoscopy Equipment
Bronchoscope Types: Flexible video (standard adult OD 5.0-5.5mm, slim 3.5-4.2mm, therapeutic 6.0-6.4mm), rigid (stain... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
Burnout and Wellbeing in ICU
Organizational/Structural (most effective): Workload modification, adequate staffing, rostering... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam p
Burns in ICU
Burns in ICU require systematic assessment of total body surface area (TBSA) and burn depth, aggressive fluid resuscitat... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Burns Pathology
Define/Describe - Jackson zones, burn depth classification... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Calcium Disorders: Hypocalcemia and Hypercalcemia
Calcium gluconate 10% 10-20 mL IV over 10-20 minutes (0.9-1.8 mmol Ca2+)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Carbon Dioxide Transport & Elimination
Answer: Carbon dioxide (CO2) is transported in blood via three mechanisms: dissolved CO2 (7-10%) , bicarbonate (70-80%) , and carbamino compounds (20-23%) . The enzyme carbonic anhydrase catalyzes the reversible...
Carbon Monoxide and Cyanide Poisoning
100% oxygen via non-rebreather or intubation (reduces CO half-life from 4-5 hours to 60-90 minutes)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case ex
Cardiac Anatomy & Coronary Circulation
Define/Describe - Overview of cardiac chambers, orientation in thorax... CICM First Part Written SAQ, CICM First Part Written MCQ exam preparation.
Cardiac Arrhythmias in ICU
Cardiac arrhythmias are common in ICU patients (10-20% incidence) and require systematic assessment of hemodynamic stabi... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Cardiac Monitors and Telemetry in ICU
Comprehensive guide to cardiac monitoring in the intensive care unit including ECG acquisition, lead placement, continuous monitoring parameters, alarm management, derived indices (HRV, QTc), arrhythmia detection,...
Cardiogenic Shock
Cardiogenic shock is cardiac pump failure causing inadequate tissue perfusion despite adequate or elevated filling press... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Cardiovascular Physiology
Cardiovascular physiology forms the foundation of critical care practice, informing haemodynamic monitoring, vasoactive ... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellow
Central Venous Access
High-Yield Topics: Indications and contraindications (absolute vs relative) Site selection: IJ (preferred), subclavian, femoral, PICC Ultrasound guidance (mandatory, complication reduction) Seldinger technique vs...
Cerebral Blood Flow & Autoregulation
Normal CBF values: 50 mL/100g/min total; grey matter 80-100, white matter 20-25 mL/100g/min... CICM First Part Written, CICM First Part Viva exam preparation
Chest Trauma
<Flashcard question="What is the approximate incidence of blunt vs penetrating chest trauma?" answer="Blunt trauma accou... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Chest Tube Insertion (Intercostal Drain)
Chest tube insertion (intercostal drain, tube thoracostomy) is a critical procedure for evacuation of air or fluid from the pleural space. The triangle of safety (anterior border of latissimus dorsi, lateral border of...
Chronic Kidney Disease in the ICU
Assess dialysis access patency and recent dialysis schedule... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Coagulation Cascade & Fibrinolysis
Primary haemostasis involves platelet adhesion (via vWF-GPIb), activation (shape change, granule release), and aggreg... CICM First Part Written, CICM First
Coagulation Disorders Pathology
Coagulation disorders in critical illness result from complex interactions between inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, and haemostatic pathways. DIC involves simultaneous coagulation activation (tissue factor...
Congenital Heart Disease in ICU
Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) encompasses structural abnormalities of the heart and great vessels present at birth, affecting 8-10 per 1,000 live births. CHD represents the most common congenital malformation and a...
Consent and Capacity in Intensive Care
Valid consent requires three elements: voluntary decision (free from coercion), informed (adequate disclosure of mate... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
Contrast-Induced Nephropathy / Contrast-Associated Acute Kidney Injury (CA-AKI)
Definition (KDIGO): Serum creatinine rise ≥26.5 μmol/L within 48 hours OR ≥50% increase within 7 days of contrast exp... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
COPD Exacerbation in ICU
Corticosteroids for 5 days (REDUCE trial evidence)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Cricothyroidotomy
Critical Management Principles : Indication : CICO situation (Plan D) - cannot intubate AND cannot oxygenate Preferred technique : Scalpel-bougie-tube (DAS 2015) - transverse stab incision through CTM Cricothyroid...
Crisis Resource Management in Intensive Care
Crisis Resource Management (CRM) represents a systematic approach to managing extreme demand for critical care services,... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellow
Croup (Laryngotracheobronchitis)
Key Clinical Features : Viral prodrome (1-2 days of coryza, low-grade fever) Barking "seal-like" cough (hallmark) Inspiratory stridor (biphasic = severe) Hoarse voice Worse at night, often improves during day NO...
CRRT Pharmacology
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) profoundly alters drug pharmacokinetics through three primary mechanisms: co... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellow
Defibrillators and Cardioversion
Comprehensive guide to defibrillation physics, waveforms, device types, energy selection, pad placement, synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous and transvenous pacing for CICM Second Part examination.
Delirium in ICU
Delirium is an acute fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition affecting 30-50% of ICU patients (70-80% of ... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Delirium in ICU: Assessment, Prevention and Management
Definition (DSM-5): Acute disturbance in attention and awareness that develops over hours to days and fluctuates in s... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
Diabetes Insipidus and SIADH: Water Balance Disorders in ICU
Confusing SIADH with cerebral salt wasting - Volume status is key: euvolemic (SIADH) vs. hypovolemic (CSW)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot
Diabetic Ketoacidosis and Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic State
Comprehensive evidence-based guide to DKA and HHS management in the intensive care unit, covering pathophysiology, fluid resuscitation, insulin therapy, electrolyte replacement, and complications
Dialysis Machines (IHD, CRRT)
Three Clearance Mechanisms: Dialysis machines remove solutes via diffusion (small molecules <500 Da), convection (... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Secon
Difficult Airway in ICU
ICU intubation is high-risk: Peri-intubation adverse events occur in 45% of ICU intubations (INTUBE study), including... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Digoxin and Lithium Toxicity
Digoxin Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition: Results in increased intracellular Na+, which reduces the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activi... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Disaster Medicine and Mass Casualty ICU
Disaster medicine encompasses the medical response to events that overwhelm local healthcare capacity, requiring extraor... CICM Fellowship Written, CICM Fellow
Disaster Preparedness in Intensive Care
Activate Hospital Incident Command System (HICS)... CICM Second Part Written, CICM Second Part Hot Case exam preparation.
Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Treat the underlying cause (definitive treatment - sepsis source control, delivery in obstetric DIC)... CICM Second Part exam preparation.
Donation after Brain Death (DBD) - Expanded Donor Management
Donation after Brain Death (DBD) is the process of organ retrieval following formal determination of death by neurological criteria. Brain death triggers a biphasic autonomic response : an initial catecholamine storm...
Donation After Circulatory Death (DCD)
DCD appears frequently in CICM Second Part examinations as a standalone topic or combined with end-of-life care:... CICM Second Part, FCICM exam preparation.