Baylor University Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) in Dallas, Texas, is a three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program emphasizes high-acuity care, including medical and surgical ICUs that accept referrals for advanced treatments like extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). As a leading center in thoracic surgical care and lung transplantation, BUMC provides fellows with exposure to complex cases that may not be available at other institutions. Furthermore, the program is recognized as a center for advanced lung disease research, particularly in interstitial lung disease (ILD) and pulmonary hypertension, allowing fellows to learn from experts engaged in pioneering clinical investigations 1.

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is designed to cultivate proficient practitioners who are capable of delivering pulmonary and critical care medicine in multifaceted settings. Graduates are expected to achieve dual board certification in both pulmonary and critical care medicine, supported by a 100% board pass rate historically. Training focuses on enhancing clinical knowledge across various pulmonary medicine topics, bedside patient care, evaluating clinical outcomes, and acquiring technical proficiency in common procedures performed by pulmonary and critical care specialists 1.

Rotations

Fellows partake in a comprehensive rotation schedule designed to maximize their exposure and skills in various critical care settings. A typical rotation breakdown is as follows:

• **PGY-4**:
• Medical ICU - 4 weeks
• Pulmonary consult service - 12 weeks
• Advanced lung disease outpatient clinic - 4 weeks
• Lung transplant inpatient rotation - 4 weeks
• Respiratory therapy and pulmonary function lab - 4 weeks
• Chest radiology/pulmonary pathology - 4 weeks
• Sleep medicine - 4 weeks
• **PGY-5**:
• Medical critical care ICU - 12 weeks
• Neuro ICU - 4 weeks
• Surgical ICU - 4 weeks
• Cardiothoracic ICU - 4 weeks
• Bronchoscopy - 4 weeks
• Pulmonary consults - 8 weeks
• Advanced lung disease outpatient clinic - 4 weeks
• Sleep medicine - 4 weeks
• Elective - 8 weeks
• **PGY-6**:
• Research or elective time - 28 weeks
• Pulmonary consults - 8 weeks
• Advanced lung disease outpatient clinic - 4 weeks
• Medical critical care ICU - 4 weeks
• Neuro ICU - 4 weeks
• Lung transplant inpatient rotation - 4 weeks

During rotations, fellows are involved in patient admissions and consultations, triaging patients, and documenting consults, typically between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily 1.

Conferences and Research

Fellows participate in a variety of conferences that enhance their clinical training and foster research opportunities. Key conferences include:

• Critical Care Conference
• Pulmonary Radiology Case Conference
• Interstitial Lung Disease Conference
• Internal Medicine Grand Rounds
• Pulmonary Core Curriculum Conference, including M&M and Journal Clubs
• Critical Care Conference
• Airway Management Conference
• Pulmonary thromboembolism Conference
• Chest Tumor Board Conference

Fellows are also expected to complete at least one research project during their fellowship, with opportunities to present findings at various national conferences, such as CHEST, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and the American Thoracic Society among others. Research opportunities are available both in outpatient and inpatient settings, with necessary approvals secured through the institutional review board (IRB) process 1.

Application Requirements

Eligible applicants must have successfully completed a minimum of three years of an internal medicine residency. The application process requires submission through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and registration with the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). A complete application package must include:

• Three letters of recommendation (one from the chief of internal medicine)
• Personal statement
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• USMLE transcripts (Steps I and II required; Step III is desirable but not mandatory at the application deadline)
• ECFMG certificate (if applicable)

Applications are typically due in the first week of November 1.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Baylor University Medical Center is committed to promoting a training environment where all individuals feel valued and welcomed. The program seeks to cultivate a culture of inclusion that encourages innovation and supports clinical teams that reflect the diverse communities they serve 1.

Visa Support

Baylor University Medical Center offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. The program assists in securing the necessary documentation for J-1 or H-1B visas, ensuring that qualified candidates can participate in the fellowship program. This support facilitates the inclusion of a diverse group of fellows, enriching the educational environment 1.

Competitiveness

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at BUMC is highly competitive, attracting outstanding applicants from various backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG routes. The program maintains a rigorous selection process which includes evaluating academic achievements and potential for providing quality care in complex medical settings.

Compensation and Benefits

Fellows are provided with a competitive stipend alongside a full array of employee benefits. The program actively assists in offsetting various costs associated with these benefits, ensuring that fellows can focus on their training without excessive financial burdens 1.

Living in Dallas

Dallas is known for providing access to a vibrant metropolitan lifestyle while maintaining one of the lowest costs of living among the ten largest U.S. cities. The city's cultural and entertainment offerings enhance residents' experiences during their medical training 1.