Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Program

The Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) is a prestigious ACGME-accredited three-year program designed to train physicians in both pulmonary and critical care specialties. The program is structured to integrate training from MSK’s longstanding and independently accredited pulmonary training program and critical care medicine training program, offering a comprehensive educational experience. The fellowship has been continuously accredited since its inception, indicating a commitment to high educational standards.

This fellowship program accommodates a total of six trainees, with two spots available each year, ensuring a focused and intensive training environment. Rotations are designed to provide exposure to critical care from the onset, with integrated critical care rotations in each year of training. Fellows learn from an esteemed faculty comprising full-time pulmonary medicine attendings and intensivists, and also engage in well-coordinated rotations at outside institutions for an enriched learning experience 1.

A distinctive feature of the program is its emphasis on managing immunocompromised patients and those with malignancy-associated pulmonary conditions. This allows trainees to develop expertise in a unique subset of pulmonary diseases that are often complicated by cancer treatments. Trainees also have the opportunity to encounter a wide spectrum of pulmonary diseases through the outpatient clinics that serve a diverse patient population, expanding their clinical acumen

The curriculum incorporates critical components, with specific attention given to procedural training and ICU management. The program includes ten months of critical care rotations, comprising five months in MSK's advanced medical-surgical intensive care unit, along with required rotations in cardiothoracic surgery, neurocritical care, and trauma surgical ICU. Additionally, fellows spend time in the Department of Anesthesiology & Critical Care Medicine to hone airway management skills, along with extensive training in pleural disease management techniques and advanced bronchoscopy 1.

Educational experiences are diverse and integrated throughout the fellowship. Trainees participate in core conferences, mentorship in procedural training, journal clubs, multi-disciplinary case discussions, and simulation exercises aimed at enhancing the skills necessary for pulmonary and critical care medicine. The Pulmonary Service contributes to a larger network of clinical case conferences and pulmonary grand rounds, ensuring that trainees are well-versed in both local and national standards of care 1.

Research is also a critical part of the fellowship, with all trainees expected to engage in a research project leading to presentations at regional and national conferences. This commitment to research provides fellows with insights into the latest advancements in pulmonary and critical care medicine, utilizing MSK's resources and expertise to foster innovative approaches in their projects 1.

Eligibility and Application Process

The fellowship program is open to board-eligible or board-certified graduates of accredited U.S. residency programs in internal medicine. Applications are accepted through the ERAS system, with a personal statement and three letters of recommendation required, including one from the Internal Medicine program director. The application process is competitive, with interviews typically conducted from mid-September through early November for the following July's cohort 1.

Competitiveness and Visa Sponsorship

This fellowship positions itself as highly competitive, aiming to attract the most dedicated and skilled candidates. International medical graduates (IMGs) and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) candidates are encouraged to apply, with visa sponsorship available for those needing support. The program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, facilitating eligibility for international candidates to train within the program

Additional Information

The Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at MSK not only emphasizes clinical excellence but also fosters the development of well-rounded physicians who are prepared to face the complexities of modern healthcare. As part of their training experience, fellows interact with a diverse array of medical professionals across disciplines, enriching their educational journey and preparing them for future leadership in pulmonary and critical care medicine 1.