Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

Program Overview

The Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) offers a comprehensive Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship. This three-year program is designed for two fellows each year, focusing on clinical and academic training that incorporates evidence-based medicine and innovative technologies. The fellowship is structured to promote professional and personal growth within a supportive environment.

Training Sites

The fellowship primarily takes place at the Lehigh Valley Hospital (LVH)–Cedar Crest, which is the main training site, with supplementary rotations at LVH–Muhlenberg. LVHN serves as a major referral center for a 50-mile radius region, which allows fellows to gain experience in advanced therapies such as extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), advanced bronchoscopy, and other critical clinical procedures typifying high-volume academic settings 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum includes a variety of experiences across inpatient, outpatient, and research settings, providing a well-rounded educational structure. The first year involves three months in the medical ICU, four months in pulmonary inpatient consultations, along with rotations in various subspecialties including anesthesia, sleep medicine, and research. The second year refines skills further with dedicated months for medical ICU and advanced lung disease at the University of Pennsylvania. The final year includes extensive research opportunities and electives 1. Throughout these years, fellows will participate in continuity clinic experiences that allow for long-term patient management.

Critical Care Experience

The critical care component includes training in a 78-bed intensive care unit, featuring a high acuity of patient illnesses. Fellows will expose themselves to a variety of conditions, including advanced lung diseases and procedures such as bronchoscopy. The curriculum emphasizes training in critical care ultrasound, with collaborative learning alongside the cardiology division and hands-on practice rotating with the echocardiography team 1.

Research and Didactic Experiences

Fellows are actively encouraged to engage in research activities, participating in clinical trials, quality improvement projects, and presenting findings at conferences. A regular schedule of seminars, including journal clubs, morbidity and mortality rounds, and case presentations enhances the educational experience. The fellowship aims to cultivate skills in critically appraising literature and undertaking scholarly activities, which are mandatory for all fellows 1.

Benefits and Salary

Alongside the graduate medical education benefits, fellows receive specific programmatic benefits including a meal allowance during on-call periods, conference funding, and robust paid time off (PTO), consisting of 19 vacation days and up to 12 sick days annually 2. This holistic approach ensures that fellows have the flexibility to attend national meetings pertinent to their careers.

Application Instructions

The fellowship accepts applications from candidates who have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited internal medicine residency program, and candidates must have passed the USMLE (Steps 1, 2, and 3). The fellowship accommodates international medical graduates by offering J1 and H1B visa sponsorships 3. Applications must be submitted through ERAS by the deadline, with interviews typically conducted in the fall.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, with the program particularly welcoming to osteopathic graduates and international medical graduates. Its strong emphasis on research, critical care ultrasound training, and the breadth of clinical exposure sets it apart from other programs. The affiliation with the University of Pennsylvania provides additional academic opportunities, particularly in transplant medicine, enhancing the learning environment 1.
The Lehigh Valley region offers a favorable cost of living and a vibrant community for fellows, enhancing both their personal and professional experiences during training 2.