Hackensack University Medical Center Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center offers a comprehensive training program poised to develop the next generation of leaders in the field. The program provides a robust educational experience, emphasizing clinical practice, research, and hands-on experience in both pulmonary and critical care settings.

Hackensack University Medical Center (HUMC) is a distinguished 775-bed academic institution that serves a diverse population and is the tertiary referral center for a network of 18 hospitals. The program is known for its strong emphasis on education and research, offering fellows a wide range of opportunities to develop their clinical skills and contribute to academic medicine.

Program Overview

The mission of the Hackensack University Medical Center Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship Program is to educate compassionate and skilled physicians committed to patient care. Graduates will possess comprehensive medical knowledge and clinical skills aimed at managing patients with common pulmonary and critical care conditions. The program fosters lifelong learning and innovation while emphasizing a humanistic approach to patient care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum includes a variety of rotations designed to provide extensive clinical exposure and procedural training. Key components include:

• Medical and Cardiac ICU (MICU/CCU): Fellows gain experience managing critically ill patients and performing essential procedures, enhancing their competencies in airway management and VV ECMO.
• Pulmonary Consults: In this rotation, fellows participate in a busy inpatient consult service, handling diverse cases from common conditions like asthma and COPD to more complex diagnoses.
• Procedures: Fellows receive training in bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, chest tube insertion, and interpreting pulmonary function tests, among other procedural skills.
• Continuity Clinic: Weekly outpatient clinics allow fellows to manage a broad spectrum of pulmonary conditions.
• Electives: Opportunities for specialized training in areas like pulmonary hypertension and thoracic surgery are available, promoting a well-rounded skill set.

Unique Features and Opportunities

Hackensack University Medical Center distinguishes itself with unique opportunities in the fellowship program, including:

• Advanced Airway Management: Fellows participate in emergency airway management procedures, ensuring proficiency in this critical skill.
• VV ECMO Program: With a dedicated team led by experienced faculty, fellows gain essential skills in ECMO management, a critical service for patients with severe respiratory failure.
• Ultrasound and Echocardiography Training: Monthly conferences enhance fellows' skills in ultrasound applications and interpretation.

Research Opportunities

The program is committed to advancing knowledge in Pulmonology and Critical Care through a solid research foundation. Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects that contribute to the medical literature, enhancing their academic credentials. The program fosters an environment where innovation and scholarly work is a priority.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program at Hackensack University Medical Center highly values diversity and encourages applicants from various backgrounds. Although competitive, the program is known to be friendly towards DO and IMG candidates. Interested applicants must submit their applications through ERAS, with the program welcoming three fellows annually to join the training starting July 1. The program supports J1 visas, facilitating international candidates' participation.

Visa Support

Hackensack University Medical Center offers visa sponsorship for J1 visa holders, supporting international medical graduates seeking to advance their training in the United States.

Conclusion

The fellowship at Hackensack University Medical Center encompasses a multidimensional training experience, merging clinical exposure with educational innovation. The program’s commitment to excellence in patient care, education, and research positions it as an ideal environment for developing the next cadre of leaders in pulmonary and critical care medicine.