Mount Sinai Medical Center of Florida Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program at Mount Sinai Medical Center is a rigorous three-year program that adheres to all ACGME requirements, while also aligning with the standards set by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP). Mount Sinai is recognized as the largest private, independent non-profit teaching hospital in South Florida, equipped with 672 beds, 99 ICU designated beds, and extensive facilities that cater to both local and international patients, particularly from the Caribbean and Central and South America 1.

The program’s educational mission focuses on training adept pulmonary and critical care physicians capable of delivering high-quality patient care. Fellows receive specialized training that encompasses the management of a broad spectrum of pulmonary diseases, including but not limited to asthma, infectious diseases, and chronic lung conditions. The curriculum integrates advanced techniques in preventive health care and comprehensive evaluations necessary for patients facing pulmonary challenges 1.

Clinical Rotations and Training

The fellowship encompasses diverse rotations including Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Specialty Clinic, Research Electives, Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, and Interventional Pulmonology. Notably, fellows will participate in an interdisciplinary “bootcamp” focusing on essential airway management and ultrasound skills, thereby enriching their clinical competence 1.

Fellows are expected to engage in intensive clinical training, totaling a minimum of 24 months, that addresses the diagnosis and management of pulmonary and critical care diseases. This hands-on training includes proficiency in pulmonary function testing, interpretation of imaging studies like x-rays and CT scans, and performing procedures such as central and arterial line insertions, as well as pulmonary artery catheterization when required 1.

Fellowship Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship admits two fellows annually for a total of six fellows. The structured program spans across three years with the following curriculum:

• First Year: 4 months on Pulmonary Consult Service, 4 months Medical Critical Care, 1 month Surgical Critical Care (including Neuro-ICU), 1 month Interventional Pulmonary, and additional time in Specialty and Cystic Fibrosis clinics, concluding with 1 month of vacation.
• Second Year: Similar to the first year, with adjustments allowing for 3 months in Medical Critical Care, and more focus on Interventional Pulmonary.
• Third Year: Advanced training continues with fellows gaining experience in research electives, further enhancing their clinical acumen and teaching skills.

This structured rotation means that fellows will have continuity in patient care, following their patients throughout their three years, which is a vital aspect of the training 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Fellows are strongly encouraged to engage in scholarly activities that could encompass clinical, translational, or basic science research. This encourages the development of presentations for case reports, book chapters, and contributions to national conferences 1.

House Staff Benefits

Fellows at Mount Sinai benefitting from multiple perks including professional liability insurance, parking, on-call rooms, shared private office space, a $2000 academic allowance, long-term disability insurance, and 28 paid vacation days per year. Health, dental, and life insurance packages are also provided along with on-site day care facilities 1.

Application Process and Visa Sponsorship

The program accepts applications exclusively through the ERAS system. Essential documents include the ERAS application, medical school transcripts, USMLE Scores (minimum Steps 1 and 2), and letters of recommendation, including one from the internal medicine program director. Besides the aforementioned requirements, this program sponsors J-1 visas for international applicants who have completed an ACGME-approved residency in Internal Medicine within the United States. However, the program does not accommodate H-1 or O-1 visa types 1.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

Mount Sinai's Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program is known for its competitiveness. Applicants are evaluated on the completeness and quality of their application materials, and typically, candidates holding degrees from US-based educational institutions tend to have an advantage. Importantly, the program fosters a welcoming atmosphere for DOs and international medical graduates 1.

Conclusion

The fellowship is characterized by a robust educational framework, superior faculty involvement, and comprehensive training in pulmonary and critical care medicine. The Mount Sinai fellowship prepares fellows for significant roles in providing patient care and contributes to the thriving medical community in South Florida and beyond, ensuring that graduates leave with both the skills required and a commitment to the highest standards of patient care and medical education.