New York-Presbyterian/Queens Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship program at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens is a comprehensive three-year program dedicated to training proficient pulmonary and critical care specialists. The program emphasizes a collaborative learning environment where faculty and fellows engage as junior colleagues, sharing knowledge and experiences through patient care, procedural training, conferences, and clinical research activities.

Goals and Objectives

The primary objectives of the program are multifaceted, focusing on both clinical and academic development. Fellows are expected to:

• Understand and apply the principles of pulmonary anatomy, physiology, and pathology across various states of health and disease.
• Develop a deep understanding of pulmonary diseases, respiratory failure, and therapeutic interventions.
• Construct comprehensive differential diagnoses and patient-centered care plans considering risk-benefit ratios.
• Master the management of complex pulmonary conditions, including respiratory failure and obstructive lung diseases.
• Gain proficiency in bronchoscopy and other significant pulmonary procedures.
• Interpret pulmonary function testing and various imaging techniques pertinent to pulmonary medicine.
• Engage in clinical research projects, contributing to evidence-based advancements in the field.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum integrates a multitude of hands-on training and didactic learning to ensure fellows acquire the necessary skills. Instructional methods include:

• Internal rotations within NewYork-Presbyterian Queens, including Medical ICU, anesthesia, and pulmonary consultation services.
• External rotations at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell, focusing on surgical and neurological ICUs.
• Weekly journal club meetings and monthly clinical conferences that promote critical analysis and discussion of current literature and cases.
• Dedicated research modules that allow fellows to delve into investigative projects relevant to pulmonary and critical care.

Skills Development

The program prioritizes the development of essential procedural skills, including:

• Fiberoptic bronchoscopy and associated biopsies.
• Thoracentesis and pleural biopsy techniques.
• Ventilator management and endotracheal intubation skills.
• Advanced critical care procedures such as Swan-Ganz catheterization.
• Exercise testing and pulmonary laboratory evaluations for comprehensive assessment.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to participate in research throughout their training. This includes identifying clinical questions, conducting data analysis, and contributing to publications. The program supports fellows in presenting findings at national educational conferences, enhancing their academic profiles and career opportunities.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The fellowship program is highly competitive, open to both MD and DO applicants. Candidates must apply through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program values diverse academic backgrounds and is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) as well.

Special application requirements include:

• A completed residency in Internal Medicine.
• Preference for candidates who have not exceeded a limited number of failed USMLE Step examinations, ensuring readiness for the rigors of fellowship training.

Visa Support

For international applicants, the program offers visa sponsorship to facilitate participation in the fellowship. The program typically supports J-1 and H-1B visa applications, allowing for a smooth transition for qualified candidates from abroad.

Graduate Careers

Graduates of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship have successfully entered private practice across the United States and have assumed faculty positions in various Internal Medicine and Pulmonary programs. Over 95% of fellows achieve their pulmonary certification on their first attempt and express high levels of satisfaction with the training received during the program.