Critical Care
The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Allen Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for critically ill patients from the surrounding community, as well as post-operative patients requiring specialized ICU support. Our ICU physician team comprises faculty from the Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, alongside critical care fellows and residents from the NewYork-Presbyterian (NYP)-Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC). We are further supported by a committed team of interdisciplinary professionals, including NYP-nursing, pharmacy, physician assistants, respiratory therapy, physical and occupational therapy, speech language pathology, nutrition, social work, and spiritual care services.
About the Allen ICU
The Allen ICU is a 12-bed ICU that serves critically ill patients with medical, cardiac, and surgical illnesses. The critical care provider team consists of critical care-trained attendings, fellows, hospitalists, medical residents, critical care PAs, and medical students.
We are proud to be a teaching unit, deeply committed to advancing medical education through hands-on training, bedside teaching, and interdisciplinary learning. Subspecialty consultations are seamlessly integrated into patient care and are provided by expert faculty from Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
For patients requiring advanced cardiac or surgical interventions, we ensure continuity of care through coordinated transfers to NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center at the Milstein Hospital, our quaternary care hub located at the 168th Street campus.
The Critical Care PA Team
Established in late 2022, the Critical Care Physician Assistant (PA) team was created to meet the increasing demand for critical care services, a need that became especially evident following the COVID-19 pandemic. Our team consists of five full-time PAs, including a dedicated Supervisor PA, providing 24/7 coverage for critical care at the Allen Hospital.
Working in close collaboration with our Pulmonary/Critical Care attending physicians, overnight critical care Hospitalist attendings, GME resident staff, and the entire interdisciplinary team, the Critical Care PAs play a crucial role in managing our 12-bed Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Additionally, they are integral members of the Rapid Response and Cardiac Arrest teams and support ICU triage, ensuring timely evaluation and management of critically ill patients throughout the hospital.
As a constant presence in the ICU, the Critical Care PA team provides stability and continuity as our attendings and GME staff rotate through the unit. They are also committed to fostering a strong learning environment for our residents, actively supporting their education and professional growth.
Beyond their clinical responsibilities, the team is deeply involved in ICU quality and safety initiatives, including efforts to reduce CLABSIs, CAUTIs, and HAPIs. Given their expertise, the Critical Care PAs also assist with vascular access and other procedural needs throughout the hospital when possible.
Through their dedication and expertise, the Critical Care PA team has become an essential part of Allen Hospital’s critical care services, ensuring high-quality patient care and continuous improvement in ICU operations.