Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a distinguished three-year fellowship designed to provide comprehensive training in pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. The program emphasizes both clinical and basic sciences, preparing fellows for successful careers in these subspecialties.

Training Sites

The fellowship includes rotations at prominent hospitals: Froedtert Hospital, Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, and St. Luke's Medical Center. Each site is equipped with state-of-the-art pulmonary function laboratories and critical care units, providing fellows access to a diverse patient population and a wide range of clinical experiences.

Froedtert Hospital

Froedtert Hospital is recognized as a tertiary referral center and transplant center, managing a variety of complex pulmonary conditions such as pulmonary infections, thoracic malignancies, and sleep-related disorders. The pulmonary consult service encourages fellows to enhance their leadership skills by teaching residents and medical students, along with gaining experience in chest imaging and pulmonary function tests 1.

Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center

This VA Center provides fellows with unique exposure to lung cancer cases during the Thoracic Tumor Conference. A multidisciplinary team approach allows fellows to engage in critical decision-making regarding patient care 1.

St. Luke's Medical Center

At St. Luke's, fellows gain valuable experience in managing cardiopulmonary complications in the context of surgery and rehabilitation 1.

Clinical Rotations

The fellowship consists of both intensive care and outpatient rotations. A key feature is the designated pulmonary continuity clinic where fellows practice and refine outpatient skills with mentorship from experienced faculty, ensuring a seamless transition into outpatient medicine throughout the fellowship 1.

Critical Care Training

The program boasts robust training in critical care medicine with closed ICUs at Froedtert and the VA Medical Center. Fellows assume significant responsibilities within the medical teams, facilitating comprehensive patient care while gaining procedural experience under direct supervision. This includes central line placement, bronchoscopy, and management of ECMO 1.

Didactic Curriculum

The curriculum integrates monthly physiology sessions aimed at developing clinical reasoning and critical thinking. Weekly educational conferences cover a breadth of topics essential to pulmonary and critical care medicine, thus fostering a high level of proficiency 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in research throughout their training. The program provides dedicated research blocks in the second and third years, supported by access to well-equipped laboratories and experienced research coordinators. This environment helps prepare fellows to publish their findings and present at conferences 1.

Application Requirements

Eligibility for the fellowship is open to both US and international medical graduates, each needing to fulfill a series of application requirements. Candidates should provide a medical school transcript, personal statement, CV, and letters of recommendation. The program accepts J-1 and H-1B visa candidates for international applicants 1.

Fellow Competitiveness

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program is known for its competitive nature, attracting candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. It is considered friendly towards both DO and IMG applicants, emphasizing the value of varied experiences in enriching the educational environment 2.

Training Benefits

Fellows enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes stipends and support for their educational endeavors. The program values diversity and inclusiveness among its trainees, reflecting a commitment to fostering a collegial learning atmosphere 2.