McLaren Health Care/Flint/MSU Program

The Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at McLaren Flint is a comprehensive training program aimed at developing future specialists in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Situated within a busy academic hospital that hosts various educational programs, the fellowship emphasizes clinical acumen and mentorship.

This program is specifically designed to provide fellows with exposure to high-acuity cases within its large and expanding intensive care units (ICUs), including the cardiac and neurocritical care units. McLaren Flint’s intensive care environment has proven instrumental during critical moments like the COVID-19 pandemic, fostering an experience that is both challenging and rewarding for trainees 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured around a series of rotations that span various critical care and pulmonary disciplines. Fellows undergo extensive training through a combination of inpatient and outpatient care, allowing them to build a robust clinical skill set:

• Anesthesia - 2 weeks
• Echocardiography - 2 weeks
• MICCU (combined medical, cardiac, and surgical critical care) - 4 months
• Neuro ICU - 1 month
• Pulmonary - 5 months
• Research - 1 month
• Allergy - 2 weeks
• Electives - 2 months
• Sleep Medicine - 2 weeks
• Surgical Intensive Care Unit - 1 month
• Infectious Disease - 1 month
• Lung Transplant - 1 month at Henry Ford Hospital

Available elective rotations encompass fields such as anesthesiology, cardiology, trauma, nephrology, and transplant, allowing for a well-rounded educational experience 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental part of the fellowship, with fellows encouraged to engage in scholarly activities under faculty mentorship. There are structured meetings held quarterly to discuss ongoing research projects and proposals. Fellows have opportunities to publish their work and present at regional and national conferences, reinforcing the academic emphasis of the program 1.

Application Process

The application process is competitive, requiring the following documents:

• A completed ERAS application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from a fellowship program director
• USMLE/COMLEX score reports
• Personal statement

Eligible applicants must be US citizens or legal residents, and the program does not sponsor visas. Additionally, applicants are evaluated based on their academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as integrity and motivation 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

It is noteworthy that the Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine fellowship at McLaren Flint does not offer visa sponsorship, which makes it critical for international medical graduates to present a resident status or citizenship 1. The program is regarded as highly competitive, thus candidates should have strong academic records and experiences to enhance their applications.

Training Environment

The training environment at McLaren Flint is designed to be supportive and educational, fostering both personal growth and professional development. The faculty comprises experienced professionals dedicated to mentoring fellows, ensuring that all trainees receive guidance tailored to their career aspirations 1.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary that is commensurate with their training level, alongside comprehensive benefits. These benefits often include health insurance, paid time off, and educational stipends to support continued learning and professional development 1.