McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is a one-year program designed to train physicians in the specialized field of interventional pulmonology. The program is accredited by the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP) and is integrated into both the Thoracic Surgery and Pulmonary Medicine divisions, providing a comprehensive training experience relevant to benign and malignant thoracic diseases.

Program Goals

The primary aim of the fellowship is to develop competent interventional pulmonologists, adept in managing complex cases and becoming leaders in the field. With a focus on high case volume and diverse pathology, the program seeks to train fellows who can thrive in academic medicine, engage in innovative research, and contribute significantly to clinical practice.

Training Structure

During the fellowship year, fellows will be appointed as instructor-level faculty within the Pulmonary Medicine department, allowing an immersive experience in both clinical and academic settings. The fellow will be primarily based at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which services a large patient population and offers extensive resources for both the management of interventional cases and academic development. This year involves active participation in a busy clinical practice, and an emphasis is placed on procedural learning supervised by experienced faculty.

Clinical Experience

The program expects fellows to manage a high volume of procedures, including but not limited to:

• Rigid bronchoscopy
• Stent deployment
• Laser therapy and electrocautery techniques
• Robotic bronchoscopy
• Navigational bronchoscopy
• Flexible bronchoscopy, including EBUS
• Medical thoracoscopy
• Tunneled pleural catheter placement

These procedures are complemented by attendance at multidisciplinary tumor boards and interventional pulmonology conferences, further solidifying the clinical acumen through collaborative learning.

Research and Academic Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in both translational and clinical research throughout their training. Protected time is allocated each week for fellow participation in academic enrichment activities aimed at preparing for board certification. This includes attending lectures, conducting research, and participating in scholarly activities that enhance their understanding and capabilities in the discipline.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship is known to be highly competitive, thus prospective applicants are required to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in internal medicine, followed by fellowship training in pulmonary and critical care medicine, ensuring a solid foundation prior to embarking on this specialized training.

Visa Support

In terms of visa support, the program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates. However, it is important for applicants to understand that visa-related fees are typically the responsibility of the applicants themselves.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

The program is committed to fostering diversity and inclusivity. It encourages applications from underrepresented groups and aims to provide mentorship and support systems that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion within the medical field, particularly in the area of pulmonary and critical care medicine.

Fellow Expectations

The interventional pulmonology fellow is expected to undertake frequent participation in clinical rotations, as well as contributing to resident and medical student education. There is an established mentorship model where fellows are guided toward their career aspirations and potential research interests.

Upon conclusion of the fellowship, fellows are not only expected to be proficient in interventional pulmonology techniques but also to engage actively in ongoing research and quality improvement initiatives within their future practices.

Alumni and Career Trajectories

Many graduates of this fellowship program have gone on to secure academic positions at prestigious institutions, participate in groundbreaking research, and contribute to advancing knowledge in pulmonary health. Their success stories reflect the high standards and comprehensive training offered by this fellowship.