Main Line Health System/Lankenau Medical Center Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program at Lankenau Medical Center provides an exceptional opportunity for rigorous training in pulmonary and critical care medicine. This program is structured to encompass a diversity of clinical settings and mentorship experiences, catering to six fellows, with two positions available each year. The program ensures a high faculty-to-trainee ratio, enabling fellows to benefit from a substantial educational experience alongside varied clinical cases across pulmonary and critical care domains.

The primary focus of the Division of Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine is to deliver the highest standard of care through evidence-based practice while fostering strong relationships with patients and their families. Fellows interact closely with faculty, not only from pulmonary and critical care but also across various internal medicine subspecialties including thoracic surgery, cardiac medicine, neurology, and more, which enriches their learning experience and interdisciplinary collaboration 1.

Curriculum Overview

Fellows will participate in a well-rounded curriculum comprising rotations in the medical intensive care unit (ICU), surgical and cardiothoracic ICU, and additional services such as pulmonary consultation, sleep medicine, and pulmonary function testing. A total of 9 months in the fellowship is allocated to research, allowing fellows to engage in both clinical and basic science projects. Additionally, fellows have a weekly outpatient continuity clinic where they follow a panel of patients throughout their training 1.

Rotational Structure

The typical training schedule is divided among various essential areas:

• Pulmonary Consult Service: 6 months, focusing on inpatient pulmonary consultations, performing procedures like bronchoscopy, and overseeing patient follow-ups.
• Medical ICU: 6 months, where fellows manage critical patients, participate in procedures, and work closely with an ICU team.
• Cardiothoracic Surgery/Surgical ICU: 6 months, gaining insights into surgical critical care and ventilator management.
• Pulmonary Function Lab: 3 months, providing fellows with exposure to reading pulmonary function tests and performing exercise testing.
• Sleep Medicine: 2-3 months, where fellows co-manage patients in outpatient settings.
• Trauma and Pediatric Rotations: Each lasting 1 month to ensure exposure to a broad range of clinical scenarios.

This structured rotational approach targets essential competencies in lung health and critical care, providing a comprehensive educational foundation.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship actively promotes research through a collaborative program with the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research. Fellows are encouraged to engage in ongoing clinical and basic science research endeavors, particularly focusing on topics such as COPD, lung cancer, and Mycobacterium infections. Each fellow selects a research area and is aided by experienced mentors, promoting independent project development and encouragement to submit findings for publication 1.

Application Process and Special Requirements

The application process is thorough and requires the following documents: ERAS application form, three letters of recommendation, a personal statement, medical school dean's letter, transcripts, USMLE scores, COMLEX scores, and an ECFMG certificate if applicable. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusivity in its selection process and operates under the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Typically, applicants to the program must have completed their residency training and should not have exceeded a specified number of failed STEP exams. The program is designed to be competitive yet remains open to DO and IMGs, ensuring a diverse applicant pool 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for applicants requiring work authorization in the United States. Usually, the program supports J-1 visas, making it accessible to international medical graduates seeking advanced training in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the primary distinct features of the program is its commitment to developing well-rounded physicians through diverse clinical exposure and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. The integration of a strong research component alongside extensive clinical training prepares fellows for future academic and clinical roles, highlighting the program's dedication to advancing medical education and practice in pulmonary and critical care medicine 1.

Faculty and Mentorship

Fellows benefit from a distinguished faculty renowned for their expertise in various aspects of pulmonary and critical care medicine. Many faculty members are involved in significant research initiatives and have attained leadership roles at both regional and national levels. The faculty's commitment to education is evidenced by multiple teaching awards received, affirming their capacity to mentor effectively and prepare fellows for their future careers in medicine 2.

Fellow Experience

The program has a history of successful fellows who have progressed to reputable positions in the field, supported by comprehensive training and mentorship. The collaborative environment fosters an inspiring learning atmosphere, encouraging fellows to provide high-quality patient care while honing their clinical skills in a supportive framework 3.