Alejandro Arroliga, M.D.

Section Head, Critical Care Medicine
Director, MICU
Co-Director, Pulmonary and Critical Care
Medicine Fellowship

I came to the Cleveland Clinic in July 1993. My philosophy, and that of the Cleveland Clinic, is that a successful and fulfilling medical career is built on a foundation of world class patient care, innovative research, and a strong

commitment to medical education. My dedication to teaching improves my skills in patient care—each complements the other.

As the MICU director, I have the privilege of teaching both residents and medical students on a regular basis. I work with the residents to provide evidence-based management of critically ill patients. In addition, I emphasize other essential aspects of patient care including communication with patients and family and working as a member of an interdisciplinary team.

One aspect of my career that I particularly enjoy is conducting research with residents. To see a resident’s ideas develop into a project, and a project grow to fruition, is gratifying. In the last five years, I have had the opportunity to publish several papers of which the residents have been the leading authors. Furthermore, I have mentored many residents as they pursue their careers. These one-on-one interactions have been rewarding for both the residents and myself.

In summary, I think the experience we provide our residents is a superior one. We have a superb group of Pulmonary/Critical Care physicians and ancillary staff that are anxious to teach and make the residents’ experience at the Cleveland Clinic a positive one.