McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Pulmonary Disease & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University offers a comprehensive education and training experience tailored for those pursuing careers in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. The structured three-year postgraduate program aims to cultivate highly competent specialists, adept in both clinical practice and innovative research, fulfilling eligibility for the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) certification.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship program is meticulously designed to provide an extensive clinical background combined with rigorous investigative training. The first year focuses primarily on clinical training across various aspects of pulmonary and critical care medicine, including inpatient and outpatient settings and critical care unit exposure.

During this period, fellows will receive intensive training in crucial pulmonary procedures, such as bronchoscopy and ECMO management. The second year is dedicated to robust research activities under the mentorship of faculty members, while the final year involves advanced clinical training and continued research projects, customized according to the fellow's career aspirations. Each fellow is also expected to manage an outpatient continuity clinic one half-day each week throughout the fellowship duration.

Training Sites

The primary training sites include Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the main teaching hospital, boasts 900 total beds, including 150 ICU beds, and offers a state-of-the-art medical and surgical environment with comprehensive programming across all specialties. Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, a key partner, is a 250-bed facility with specialized critical care services.

Clinical Experience

Approximately 75% of clinical training occurs at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, while about 20-25% is spent at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and up to 5% at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The diversity within the patient demographic enables fellows to encounter a broad range of clinical conditions and management challenges. Clinical rotations include specialized outpatient clinics, focusing on diseases such as pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, and lung cancer, among others, thus providing extensive exposure to various pulmonary subspecialties.

Research Component

Research is an integral part of the fellowship experience, emphasizing a robust mentorship model to develop tailored research trajectories for each fellow. The program engages fellows in numerous grant-funded projects spanning basic science and translational/patient-oriented research, particularly within the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. Key initiatives include the Lung Sciences Training Program, aiming to provide comprehensive mentorship and longitudinal research experience involving live perspectives from experienced faculty.

Simulation and Didactic Training

A vital aspect of the fellowship is the provision of simulation-based training, encompassing essential procedures such as point-of-care ultrasound and airway management. Fellows participate in various educational conferences, including journal clubs, research discussions, and grand rounds that foster continuous learning and professional development.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The program is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion within its educational framework, integrating topics related to equity and health disparities into the curriculum. Regular divisional meetings address DEI topics, ensuring training aligns with the broader goal of equitable healthcare delivery.

Requirements and Eligibility

To be eligible, applicants must have completed or be in a position to complete training in an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency. The program only considers whole fellowship applications, focusing on combined training in pulmonary and critical care medicine. For international applicants, visa types supported include J-1 visas, sponsored by ECFMG, with associated fees listed as the applicant's responsibility.

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A complete submission includes letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a curriculum vitae, with the program participating in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Medical Specialties Matching Program.

Competitiveness and Opportunities

The fellowship is highly competitive, particularly given its strong reputation and integration within a prominent academic medical center located in an urban environment. The program emphasizes building supportive relationships among fellows and faculty, encouraging collaborative research and clinical synergies. In addition, fellows gain significant exposure to national conferences and opportunities to publish scholarly articles, fostering their academic profiles as they progress toward independent careers.