Henry Ford Providence Hospital Program

The Ascension Providence Hospital Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship program is designed to develop highly skilled physicians who are well-prepared for careers in either academic medicine or private practice. The three-year fellowship allows trainees to obtain dual certification in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine, promoting excellence in both fields to ensure comprehensive patient care 1.

During the fellowship, candidates will benefit from modern technology and innovative treatments while collaborating with leading pulmonologists and intensivists throughout the region. The program emphasizes an extensive clinical curriculum that includes rotations through various specialty clinics with a focus on conditions such as pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung cancer, sleep disorders, asthma, and COPD. The fellows also acquire thorough ICU experience in managing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), sepsis, and surgical recovery cases 2.

Curriculum and Training

The clinical training covers a total of 18 months as mandated by the American Board of Internal Medicine, ensuring that fellows gain a full spectrum of experiences through structured rotations at two hospital campuses. The training prepares fellows for a plethora of procedures including endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS), navigation bronchoscopy, bronchothermoplasty, and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) procedures, which have become integral to contemporary pulmonary care 2.

Clinical Sites

Fellows will train at both Ascension Providence Hospital's Southfield and Novi campuses. Southfield’s campus features a state-of-the-art 24-bed Medical, Surgical, and Neurosurgical ICU, while the Novi campus has a 12-bed medical/surgical ICU and an 8-bed neuro ICU. This setup allows for a diverse and rich clinical exposure, reinforced by the active EMS program that ensures a high volume of critical cases 2.

Didactic Education

The educational component of the fellowship includes core lecture series, small-group learning, and case presentations driven by fellows. The program offers ongoing didactics twice a week, which include lectures from both faculty and invited experts from the region and nationally. Additionally, the fellows engage in journal clubs, research meetings, and morbidity & mortality (M&M) sessions 2.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are encouraged to pursue various scholarly projects. Mentorship committees align with the fellows’ interests to support their educational and career goals. Participants are expected to complete at least one substantial research project during their training, thereby enhancing their academic development 2.

Application Process and Requirements

Manipulating the application process for the fellowship through ERAS is a key step for aspiring candidates. Applicants must include a personal statement detailing their career objectives and provide three letters of recommendation. Applications are typically accepted within a specific cycle, and candidates are advised to remain up-to-date with the latest requirements and timelines 2.

Visa Support

The program supports visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. It is essential for applicants to check the specific visa types that are available and the requirements involved, which may include proof of status and other documentation per hospital policy.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse array of applicants, including U.S. graduates, DOs, and international medical graduates (IMGs). This reflects the program's openness to a range of backgrounds and experiences, promoting an enriching environment for learning and patient care 2.

Unique Aspects of the Program

A distinctive feature of the fellowship is the ECMO service that began in June 2020, which provides fellows with specialized training. The fellows also have access to an on-site simulation laboratory, enhancing their procedural skills and confidence under faculty supervision 2.