Duke University Hospital Program

The Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship at Duke University Hospital is recognized for its comprehensive training in the field, emphasizing both clinical competence and research expertise. It is coordinated by the Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, which is the largest hospital-based hyperbaric treatment facility globally. This facility brings together over 25 faculty members and post-doctoral fellows from various departments, including Anesthesiology, Medicine, Surgery, and Pharmacology. The center is home to the F.G Hall Hypo/Hyperbaric Laboratory, the Oxygen Transport Laboratory, and the clinical Hyperbaric Medicine Service, which serves as a consultative medical support group for divers across commercial, military, and recreational sectors 1.

The fellowship is highly competitive, providing up to four fellowship slots annually depending on funding availability. Applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency program and be board-eligible in their original specialty. Additionally, applicants must be eligible for licensure as a trainee in North Carolina, but not in Utah 1.

Curriculum and Training

The training program encompasses expertise in emergency clinical hyperbaric oxygen applications for conditions such as decompression sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, and clostridial myonecrosis. Fellows will become proficient in critical care interventions, hyperbaric chamber operations, and maintenance, alongside wound care and extensive didactic programs.

During their training, fellows will execute inpatient and outpatient consults under the mentorship of the clinical hyperbaric faculty, and each fellow will be expected to conduct a research project, aiming for publication in scientific journals. The fellowship includes bi-weekly teaching conferences and participation in specialized courses tailored towards extreme environments, contributing to a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Rotations and Electives

Fellows will spend a portion of their training at affiliated sites, including an opportunity to engage in elective rotations in locations such as Salt Lake City, Utah. These elective rotations may last between two weeks to two months and allow fellows to experience hyperbaric therapy in high-altitude and critical care environments 1.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages scholarly research, with fellows expected to participate in numerous teaching and research activities within Duke Medical Center. These involve collaborating on projects with other departments and presenting findings at conferences such as the annual Duke Anesthesiology Academic Evening 2.

The program benefits from extensive collaboration with national and international research institutes, enhancing the fellows' exposure to cutting-edge research in environmental physiology and hyperbaric medicine 1.

Unique Aspects

The fellowship experience is enhanced through various unique training opportunities, including participation in the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society / National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (UHMS / NOAA) diving medicine course. This course equips fellows with IMCA DMAC Level II certification and practical components such as diving in commercial gear, enhancing their practical skills necessary for the field 1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program offers visa sponsorship for international fellows, allowing for the J-1 Visa specifically for those eligible. This offers a critical pathway for international medical graduates pursuing specialty training in the United States. It is advisable for international applicants to verify their eligibility for a trainee license in North Carolina, as visa support will be contingent on their ability to meet licensing requirements.

The application process respects specific requirements; prospective fellows should have completed their medical training within a specified timeframe and avoid excessive attempts at USMLE Step exams. The program aims for candidates demonstrating resilience and dedication through their academic journey 2.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, searching for candidates with robust clinical backgrounds and a clear commitment to pursuing a career in hyperbaric medicine. Both DO graduates and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) are welcomed, fostering an inclusive environment for diverse applications 2.

Overall, the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine Fellowship at Duke University Hospital provides a rigorous and supportive educational environment designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the unique and specialized field of hyperbaric medicine.