HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine GME - Tampa South Program

The Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship program at HCA Florida Healthcare/USF Morsani College of Medicine in Largo emphasizes a comprehensive and hands-on approach to subspecialty training in pulmonary medicine and critical care. The program aims to cultivate a deep understanding of respiratory diseases, complex patient management in acute and chronic settings, as well as the promotion of research and scholarly activity.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is structured to provide fellows with a robust foundation in various aspects of pulmonary medicine and critical care. This includes rotations focused on inpatient and outpatient care, allowing fellows to engage actively in the management of patients with pulmonary disorders and critical illnesses. The training aims to foster competency in procedures such as bronchoscopy, advanced ventilation strategies, and end-of-life care discussions.

Rotations

Fellows will engage in multiple rotations that cover a wide range of pulmonary and critical care areas. These engagements typically take place in various esteemed facilities that are affiliates of the USF Health system. The vital settings include tertiary care centers, community hospitals, and specialized units where fellows can gain diverse clinical experiences.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to participate in ongoing research projects and develop their investigative work. Each trainee is supported by faculty mentorship, which is instrumental in guiding their research endeavors. The availability of research resources, including access to libraries and databases, furthers the fellow’s ability to contribute to the academic community.

Unique Program Aspects

The program is distinguished by its commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive learning environment. This dedication includes training that emphasizes cultural competence and acknowledges the social determinants of health, thereby preparing fellows to manage diverse patient populations effectively.

Training Sites

The HCA Florida Healthcare affiliates provide fellows with extensive clinical exposure across various settings. This includes partnerships with Tampa General Hospital, James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center among others, which collectively enrich the educational experience. Each training site is equipped with cutting-edge resources and facilities, ensuring that fellows receive state-of-the-art training in pulmonary and critical care.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship, specifically for J-1 visa holders. This ensures international medical graduates can participate fully in the fellowship opportunities provided.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is highly competitive, welcoming applications from both US MD graduates as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The program values diversity and aims to recruit applicants from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, thereby enriching the learning environment.

Application Requirements

Applicants must typically have completed an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency prior to entering the fellowship. The program may impose specific criteria regarding the maximum number of failed USMLE Step exams accepted, ensuring that candidates possess the requisite knowledge and skills for successful completion of the fellowship.

Financial Support and Benefits

Benefits for fellows include a competitive stipend, health insurance, and support for educational expenses through funding opportunities. The program aims to provide an environment conducive to both professional development and personal well-being.

Wellness Programs

The USF Health system prioritizes trainee well-being through a structured Resident Assistance Program (RAP), which provides 24/7 support for personal and professional challenges. These resources are designed to enhance the overall training experience of fellows.