Brooklyn Hospital Center Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at The Brooklyn Hospital Center is a distinguished program that offers a comprehensive three-year training experience, fully accredited by the ACGME. This fellowship prepares physicians for board eligibility in both pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, with its first class commencing training in July 2018. The program builds on a long tradition of training excellence in the field of pulmonary medicine, expanding its scope to include critical care training.

All fellows are expected to complete a three-year ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency prior to joining the program. This prerequisite ensures that incoming fellows are already board eligible in Internal Medicine, allowing them to advance directly into specialized training. Clinical training primarily takes place at The Brooklyn Hospital Center, complemented by rotations at notable institutions such as Mount Sinai Medical Center and Cornell Medical Center, providing comprehensive exposure to diverse clinical settings and patient populations.

Curriculum and Training

The fellowship is structured to encompass a variety of clinical and educational experiences designed to enhance the fellows' expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide array of pulmonary and critical illnesses. The program focuses on developing the fellows' abilities to provide specialized care, perform necessary procedures, engage in research, and educate others in the discipline.

Fellows will participate in multiple educational conferences covering key subjects like radiology, physiology, and pathology, along with case conferences that encourage critical thinking and discussion. They will also attend a monthly journal club to analyze current research and a monthly research conference to present ongoing projects and findings. Participation in morbidity and mortality conferences further enriches the fellows' training, allowing them to learn from real-world cases and quality improvement practices.

Clinical Exposure

The fellowship offers extensive exposure to a variety of pulmonary conditions through both inpatient consultations and outpatient clinic visits. The fellows are involved in the assessment and management of patients with complex pulmonary disorders, gaining hands-on experience while working alongside board-certified physicians. This includes interpreting imaging studies and learning about the comprehensive treatment approaches required for various stages of disease.

Call Schedule and Workload

The call schedule incorporates two months of night float each year, allowing fellows to experience a range of clinical scenarios across different times of day. An average weekend call involves active in-house participation, ensuring fellows develop confidence in their decision-making and crisis management skills during critical situations.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are required to engage in research throughout their training, supported by specific blocks of protected time dedicated to research activities. The program emphasizes the importance of scholarly inquiry, encouraging fellows to pursue projects that contribute to the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring J-1 or H-1B visas, accommodating various candidate backgrounds. This makes it an ideal program for both DO and IMG applicants, fostering an inclusive environment.

Application Process

Prospective applicants must register through the NRMP and submit their applications via the ERAS online system. The application is required to be complete with several supporting documents, including the Dean's letter, medical school transcripts, a minimum of two letters of recommendation, USMLE Step scores, and a comprehensive CV. It's critical for candidates to demonstrate a solid foundation in internal medicine through their prior training.

Benefits

The Brooklyn Hospital Center offers a competitive benefits package for fellows, including health insurance, paid time off, and reimbursement for board review courses. The additional support for books and medical resources enhances the financial aspect of professional development during fellowship.

Community and Resident Life

The fellowship is situated in an often vibrant and diverse area of Brooklyn, facilitating a rich experience outside clinical training. The robust community spirit and array of cultural and social opportunities contribute significantly to a balanced life for fellows, supporting their well-being throughout their training.