ECU Health Medical Center/East Carolina University Program

Fellowship Overview

The Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at ECCU Health Medical Center offers accredited fellowship training in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine. The program is carefully structured to meet all the residency education requirements set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Fellows who successfully complete the training are eligible to attempt the Pulmonary Disease and/or Critical Care Medicine certification exams from the American Board of Internal Medicine. This program is designed to nurture well-rounded physicians equipped with the necessary skills to excel in both academic and private practice settings 1.

Program Structure and Training Tracks

The program offers multiple training tracks including:

• A 3-year combined program in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine
• A 3-year combined program in Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine
• A 3-year combined program in Infectious Disease and Critical Care Medicine
• A 6-year combined program in Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Critical Care Medicine
• A 2-year program in Critical Care Medicine alone, for individuals who have already completed an accredited residency in Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine.

The educational experience consists of thirteen four-week blocks annually, featuring core clinical rotations, didactic education through conferences and workshops, and significant research and scholarly activities. Close supervision by faculty members underscores the training process, which focuses on developing essential cognitive skills through active participation in various conferences and extensive self-study 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows engage in diverse clinical and basic science research projects aimed at contributing to national meetings and publication in esteemed journals. The research component includes formal rotations and extends throughout the program duration. Participants benefit from ongoing translational research programs supported by multiple NIH grants 1.

Conferences and Didactic Learning

The program includes a rich array of educational conferences, fostering collaborative learning and discussion. Among them are:

• Clinical case presentations and discussions
• Journal clubs focusing on key literature in critical care and pulmonary medicine
• Grand rounds featuring guest experts and faculty reviews
• Core conferences on critical care principles and pulmonary diseases

This structured educational framework guarantees thorough exposure to relevant knowledge and skills 4.

Rotations and Clinical Exposure

The training involves rotations across multiple intensive care units, ensuring fellows gain comprehensive experience in various critical care situations. Key rotations include:

• Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU)
• Cardiology Intensive Care Unit (CICU)
• NeuroScience Intensive Care Unit (NSICU)
• Surgical and Trauma Intensive Care Unit (SICU/TICU)
• Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU)

Fellows are assigned to inpatient pulmonary consultation services, allowing them to diagnose and manage inpatient cases while developing procedural skills under faculty guidance particularly in bronchoscopy and pleural procedures 8.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The fellowship program is known to be highly competitive. Candidates must have a valid ECFMG certificate for international medical graduates and are sponsored for J1 visas only, with no support for H-1 visas 3. The application process is conducted via ERAS, with interviews held from mid-July to mid-October for the most competitive applicants.

Special Application Requirements

All applicants must ensure they meet the eligibility requirements, including having a valid ECFMG certificate and adhering to additional application stipulations specified by the program. Candidates' applications are scrutinized by the fellowship recruitment committee before invitations for interviews are extended based on qualifications 3.

Unique Research Initiatives

The fellowship emphasizes research, with fellows actively participating in an array of ongoing studies, especially focusing on conditions like sarcoidosis and pulmonary hypertension. The program is recognized nationally as a center of excellence for its specialized sarcoidosis care and investigative efforts within the area 9.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J1 visas for international medical graduates seeking fellowship training in the United States. It is essential for prospective candidates to be aware that H-1 visa sponsorship is not available through this program 3.

Conclusion

Graduates of the fellowship are equipped to handle varied roles within the field of pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, bolstered by extensive training in clinical practice, research, and education.