Morehouse School of Medicine Program

The Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program at Morehouse School of Medicine is a three-year program designed for those seeking specialized training in pulmonary and critical care medicine. The program encompasses clinical and research exposure primarily at Grady Memorial Hospital, the Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital, and private practice settings within Morehouse Healthcare and South Atlanta Pulmonary. Each of these sites provides a diverse patient population encountering a wide range of pulmonary conditions and critical care scenarios, thus enriching the fellows' learning experience.

The fellowship program emphasizes a comprehensive curriculum that includes a minimum of 28 months of clinical rotations. This consists of 12 months stationed in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) environment and 6 months focused on pulmonary consults. Additionally, fellows are required to spend at least 24 months engaging with pulmonary patients in an outpatient setting. An essential aspect of training is the opportunity to delve into clinical, basic science, and translational research during an 8-month research rotation, complemented by rotations in pulmonary procedures, bronchoscopy, pulmonary pathology, sleep medicine, and pulmonary function testing.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to encompass both clinical and academic excellence, ensuring that fellows acquire the necessary skills to practice independently and lead in the field. Clinical training is intensive, with opportunities to care for complex cases in high-acuity settings. Each fellow also participates in an 8-month dedicated research period, fostering skills in research methodology and scientific inquiry. Monthly journal clubs provide a platform for fellows and faculty to engage in critical discussions of the latest research, thereby enhancing their academic experience and peer collaboration.

Training Sites

The main training sites for the program include:

• Grady Memorial Hospital
• Atlanta Veterans Affairs Hospital
• Morehouse Healthcare
• South Atlanta Pulmonary

These facilities are equipped with state-of-the-art resources, including access to a well-equipped simulation center on Morehouse School of Medicine's campus. This environment promotes hands-on learning and equips fellows with the tools necessary to deliver high-quality patient care.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in impactful research during their training. The program's commitment to research excellence is facilitated through access to modern research facilities on campus. Many fellows present their findings at influential national and international conferences, including those sponsored by the American Thoracic Society and CHEST, which underscores the program's emphasis on academic achievement and professional development.

Well-Being and Professional Development

Understanding the challenges of medical training, the program prioritizes physician well-being and patient safety. Dedicated workshops are included in the curriculum to address burnout, develop resilience, and foster a supportive work environment. The goal is to produce not only skilled clinicians but also well-rounded professionals committed to ethical practice and patient advocacy.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The fellowship program exclusively accepts J-1 Visa applicants and does not support H-1B visas. It is essential that candidates applying to this program have graduated from an accredited Internal Medicine residency program. Applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), alongside supporting documents such as a Curriculum Vitae, letters of recommendation, and USMLE transcripts. The program prefers candidates with U.S. clinical experience, especially if they have been out of medical school for more than two years.

The fellowship accepts a limited number of fellows, making it a competitive program. However, it is considered IMG-friendly under certain circumstances, particularly if applicants can demonstrate robust clinical experience in the United States.