Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine offers an extensive three-to-four year program that recruits six fellows annually. This fellowship is designed to provide a blend of clinical and research training, supporting the diverse career goals of each fellow. The program is structured to foster individualized learning experiences that prepare graduates to excel in either clinical practice or academic research.

Program Structure

The fellowship consists of a rigorous first year focused on clinical training, followed by customizable second and third years. During the first year, fellows engage in rotations across various medical intensive care units (ICUs) and outpatient settings, including:

• Medical Intensive Care Unit at Grady Memorial Hospital
• Medical Intensive Care Unit at the Veterans Administration Medical Center
• Medical Intensive Care Unit at Emory University Hospital
• Outpatient Pulmonary rotations in different facilities

This hands-on training underlines the importance of real-world experience within a diverse hospital network, equipping fellows with essential skills for patient management in various settings, including tertiary care centers and teaching hospitals 6.

Clinical Pathways

There are two main pathways available: the Clinical Educator pathway and the Physician-Scientist pathway. Each pathway offers specific training focused on developing expertise in unique areas of pulmonary and critical care medicine:

• The Clinical Educator pathway emphasizes clinical expertise and education, involving rotations in interventional pulmonology and trauma units.
• The Physician-Scientist pathway is research-focused, allowing fellows to engage in NIH-funded projects and clinical studies during their training period 7.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly projects and research throughout their training. The program boasts a wealth of faculty experts in various subspecialties who are eager to mentor and collaborate with fellows on research initiatives. This collaborative environment fosters innovation and growth, preparing fellows for future leadership roles in their respective fields 9.

Mentorship and Career Development

The fellowship implements a dedicated mentorship program where each fellow selects a primary mentor from the pool of faculty. This mentor guides the fellow’s career trajectory, conducting regular meetings to ensure they stay aligned with their goals. Additionally, the fellowship has a Career Development Committee that actively oversees the fellow's progress and facilitates their professional growth 8.

Training Sites and Resources

Fellows have the opportunity to work at various facilities, including:

• Emory University Hospital
• Grady Memorial Hospital
• The Veterans Administration Medical Center
• Emory St. Joseph's Hospital

This diverse exposure allows fellows to manage a wide range of patient populations, enhancing their clinical acumen and adaptability in different healthcare environments 6.

Application Information and Competitiveness

The application process is thorough and competitive, requiring eligible applicants to have board eligibility in Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine. Preference is given to US citizens and Permanent Residents. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation and USMLE exam results, including steps 1 and 2 10.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options for qualified international applicants, facilitating their participation in the fellowship irrespective of their country of origin, as long as they meet the program's eligibility requirements 11.

Additional Benefits and Conference Participation

Fellows enjoy numerous benefits, including funding to attend national medical conferences, which presents invaluable networking and educational opportunities. The program hosts various weekly didactic conferences, case presentations, and grand rounds to cultivate an enriching educational experience 9.