Henry Ford St. John Hospital Program

The Fellowship program in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Henry Ford Health is a comprehensive three-year program designed for individuals preparing for a career as specialists in pulmonary diseases and critical care medicine. This program aligns with the certification requirements set by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is regarded as one of the largest fellowship programs in the United States, accommodating over twenty fellows annually. Importantly, a two-year fellowship focusing solely on pulmonary disease is not available within this program.

The program is open to graduates of accredited Internal Medicine residency programs in the U.S. and Canada. Prospective fellows must meet the board certification eligibility criteria for Internal Medicine as established by the American Board of Internal Medicine. The fellowship closely collaborates with the Internal Medicine accredited program at Henry Ford Hospital, enhancing the training experience.

Curriculum and Rotations

The three-year fellowship is heavily geared towards clinical exposure, progressively allowing fellows to pursue their specific areas of interest. The curriculum comprises one-month rotational experiences that span a wide range of clinical settings. Fellows also engage in ambulatory continuity clinics in Pulmonary Medicine throughout their training.

Key clinical rotation areas include:

• Pulmonary Hypertension
• Interstitial Lung Diseases
• Sarcoidosis
• Lung Transplantation
• Interventional Pulmonology

In addition to clinical duties, fellows benefit from protected educational time, with numerous divisional educational sessions scheduled weekly, including Critical Care Ground Rounds and Procedural Simulation workshops.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, with fellows provided with the opportunity to engage in a broad spectrum of research within the realms of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, as well as Interventional Pulmonology. Each fellow is expected to complete a research project under the mentorship of faculty researchers and aim for publication in a peer-reviewed scientific journal, thereby enhancing their academic credentials.

Simulation and Training Facilities

The program offers access to a state-of-the-art Simulation Center, the largest of its kind in the Midwest. This facility encompasses 15,000 square feet of space dedicated to training, equipped with an ICU suite, operating rooms, and a minimally invasive procedure lab. Fellows utilize high-fidelity mannequins for hands-on experience in various procedures, including intubation, bronchoscopy, and ultrasound-guided assessments, which play a crucial role in developing procedural skills essential for critical care.

Life After Fellowship

The fellowship program has a notable track record of producing highly respected graduates, with approximately half entering academic positions and the other half joining private or group practices. Graduates of the program often enjoy robust career opportunities, which are anticipated to remain strong due to projected physician shortages in this specialty.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Eligible applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency. The program participates in the National Residency Match Program (NRMP) and accepts applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Specific prerequisites include a graduation from an approved residency program, and potential applicants must keep in mind any competitive aspects associated with gaining admission, as the program is known for being rigorous and sought-after among candidates, including DOs and IMGs.

Visa Support

The fellowship program is committed to supporting international applicants by providing sponsorship for necessary visa types, facilitating a smooth transition for those seeking educational opportunities in the United States.

Additional Training Opportunities

In addition to the pulmonary and critical care fellowship, additional training in Sleep Medicine is available, supported by an ACGME-accredited program. Fellows have the option to apply for additional training in Interventional Pulmonary Medicine after completing the primary fellowship.