Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Program

About the Fellowship

The Pulmonary Fellowship Training Program at CincinnatiChildren's Hospital Medical Center offers three years of clinicaland research training in pediatric pulmonary medicine for graduatesof accredited general pediatrics residency programs. The programaims to equip the next generation of pediatric pulmonologists withthe necessary skills to excel in clinical practices, research, andeducation 1.

This program is recognized for its intellectual rigor andteaching excellence, as the pulmonology program ranks #1 nationallyin the U.S. News & World Report Best Children’s Hospitals list for2024-25 1. It benefits from robust NIH fundingdedicated to both basic and clinical research. The program overseeshigh volumes of clinical procedures, performing over 1,600 flexiblebronchoscopies, 2,200 sleep studies, and 8,000 pulmonary functiontests annually. This provides fellows with extensive exposure andhands-on experience in the field of pulmonary medicine.

Furthermore, fellows within the program are encouraged to engagein clinical or basic science research, guided by a team of over 25faculty mentors. Opportunities also exist for pursuing advanceddegrees in areas such as medical education, public health, orclinical and translational research.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to offer a thorough foundation inpulmonary medicine through a blend of clinical experiences,research opportunities, and educational programming essential foracademic success in pediatric pulmonary medicine. Over thethree-year fellowship, fellows will accumulate a total of 12 monthsdedicated to inpatient rotations, providing inpatient pulmonaryconsults, and caring for patients on the pulmonary medicine service3.

Weekly outpatient continuity clinics allow for continuity ofcare and patient follow-up. Rotations available under the programprovide exposure to disorders such as Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia(BPD), Cystic Fibrosis, Complex Obstructive Sleep Apnea, andothers. Fellows are also immersed in interdisciplinary clinics thataddress broader health issues related to lung conditions.

In terms of research, fellows will dedicate 17 to 20 monthsthroughout the fellowship pursuing scholarly work, which spansbasic science and clinical research, further enhancing theirprofessional skills and research capabilities.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes a strong research component, offeringfellows rigorous training in basic, clinical, and translationalresearch 4. The fellowship encourages hands-onexperience and personalized mentorship to help fellows developtheir research lines related to pulmonary medicine.

Research efforts are diverse, focusing on areas like lungfibrosis, Cystic Fibrosis, and sleep studies involving variouspediatric conditions. Notably, the center has been active inclinical trials and collaborates in multicenter studies,particularly for conditions like cystic fibrosis.

Visa Support

The Pulmonary Fellowship Training Program offers support forexceptional J1 visa applicants. However, it is important to notethat the program does not consider applicants on H1B visas, therebyfocusing its admissions criteria primarily on U.S. citizens andeligible international medical graduates 2.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Admission to the fellowship is competitive, with the programaccepting up to three new fellows each year 2. Toapply, candidates must possess an MD or DO from an accreditedmedical school and be either board eligible or certified by theAmerican Board of Pediatrics. Applicants are required to submit aMyERAS application along with three letters of recommendation, apersonal statement, a medical school transcript, and USMLE orCOMLEX scores as applicable.

Diversity and Inclusion Efforts

The program is actively engaged in increasing diversity andrepresentation within the pediatric emergency medicine physicianworkforce. Institutional efforts are aimed at nurturing aninclusive learning environment, where an equitable growth processis promoted for all fellows 1.