Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program at Lincoln Medical and Mental Health Center is a comprehensive training program accredited by ACGME, aimed at fostering expertise in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Located in the Bronx, the program offers a robust educational experience in a vibrant, community-focused environment that serves a diverse patient population. Being part of the NYC Health & Hospitals corporation system, Lincoln Medical Center is a 362-bed inner-city public facility known for its intensive care services.

The program's mission is to educate and train fellows to excel as physicians in both pulmonary and critical care medicine while emphasizing academic medicine and medical research. The curriculum is tailored to produce strong, well-rounded physicians who are equipped for lifelong learning and practice, particularly in community settings.

Program Structure

The fellowship spans 36 months, combining extensive clinical training and research opportunities. The training consists of at least 18 months of clinical rotations, including core rotations in medical ICU and pulmonary consultations, along with electives and subspecialty experiences.

Notable rotations include:

• Core Rotations: Medical ICU/CCU (11 months), Pulmonary inpatient/consultative service (9 months)
• Non-Core Rotations: Non-medical ICUs (4 months), Interventional Pulmonology (3 months), Sleep Medicine (1 month), and other subspecialties
• Research: 4 months dedicated to research activities
• Outside Rotations: Opportunities include lung transplant rotations at Montefiore Medical Center and interventional pulmonology at New York Presbyterian – Weill Cornell

Curriculum and Didactics

The curriculum is augmented by various didactic sessions and scholarly activities, ensuring comprehensive educational growth. Fellows participate in several conferences, including:

• Introductory Core Curriculum workshops
• Core Curriculum lecture series
• Clinical case conferences
• Journal clubs and Grand Rounds
• Morbidity and mortality conferences, as well as quality improvement discussions
• Research conferences

This multifaceted approach not only enhances the learning experience but also actively engages fellows in ongoing medical education.

Research Opportunities

Research constitutes an integral part of the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to participate in and contribute to various research projects, presenting at both national and international conferences. This emphasis on research prepares fellows for academic roles and enhances their analytical skills in the field.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program prides itself on serving a diverse patient population and aims for an equitable selection process for fellows, irrespective of race, sexual orientation, nationality, or religion. This diversity enriches the learning environment and better prepares fellows for community-based practices.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs), which is crucial for prospective fellows who require work authorization to train in the United States. The program is acknowledged for being highly competitive yet remains supportive of applications from DOs and IMGs, ensuring a welcoming environment for diverse candidates.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited program in Internal Medicine. While details regarding STEP exam performance and year of graduation are not specified, it is generally understood that strong performance in these areas enhances candidacy.

Fellowship Benefits

Fellows receive competitive compensation and benefits, including:

• Salary ranging from approximately $78,681 to $97,500 based on year of fellowship
• Meal allowance up to $3,800 per academic year
• Four weeks of paid vacation per year
• Comprehensive health coverage with options for various plans
• Educational reimbursement for professional development

These benefits reflect the program's commitment to the well-being and development of its fellows.

Training Site

Lincoln Medical Center serves as the primary training site for the fellowship, providing fellows with access to modern facilities, including a pulmonary function lab and simulation laboratory, alongside a dedicated team of attending physicians and nursing staff. The medical ICU is staffed with expert critical care nurses and respiratory therapists, creating an optimal learning atmosphere.