So here is the thing about being in the ICU. Today, this is a very multi-disciplinary field. As an Intensivist, you need to be able to understand and “listen” to the physiology or the deranged physiology of the patient because many time, the patient cannot tell you what is wrong. Along with that, since there are multiple systems involved, it is of utmost importance for the Intensivist to bring in the right consultants for the right reasons. An Intensivist it not going to order dialysis, interpret an echocardiogram, or an EEG. In addition, getting the right tube feed rate to prevent overfeeding, getting the right type of tube feed for the patient, perform chest PT, etc and so they need to be able to manage all the ancillary staff to help with this.
Yes, the Intensivist can put in an HD catheter, perform a Swan, perform a therapeutic bronchoscopy (diagnostic if pulm/cc) but again, with the need to manage multiple patients, knowing who to bring in and what for is important.
If you are interested in CT surgical ICU/Trauma/Neuro ICU then maybe a surgical residency is the way to go.
But to answer the question, you would want an Intensivist that is not too proud to bring in the specialists they need, have the right bedside manner, be compassionate to talk to families about end of life, and know what they do not know.