Ohio State University Hospital Program

Welcome to the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This program is designed to prepare physicians for successful careers in academic medicine and train future leaders in the field of pulmonary and critical care. The fellowship offers a balanced approach to clinical training, research opportunities, and educational curriculum to enhance clinical skills and scientific knowledge.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship consists of a minimum of 18 months of clinical exposure, primarily in the first year. Fellows participate in eight core clinical rotations designed to provide a robust clinical experience. The rotations include various intensive care units and consultation services, with specific roles assigned to fellows based on their year of training. Notably, the program incorporates a night float rotation system to manage overnight responsibilities while ensuring compliance with ACGME work hour guidelines.

A defining feature is the "Pulmonary Medical School," which takes place during July of the first year. This month-long orientation session is free from clinical duties and focuses on foundational topics in pulmonary and critical care medicine, including bronchoscopy, airway management, and thoracentesis, among other critical skills.

Core Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate through a variety of core clinical services, including:

• University Hospital Medical Intensive Care Units (MICUs)
• The Arthur James Cancer Hospital MICU
• Consult services at multiple hospitals, including the Ross Heart Hospital and University Hospital East
• Outpatient subspecialty pulmonary medicine clinics
• Rotations in surgical and neurocritical care units as well as the pulmonary hypertension service

Research Training

In the second and third years of fellowship, the primary focus shifts to research training. Fellows undertake research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors, benefiting from programs such as the T32 training grant for aging-related lung disease research and the CATALYST program in health services research. The research process begins with a dedicated month known as "Research Month," allowing fellows to select mentors and develop research proposals aligned with their career aspirations.

Fellowship Tracks

Fellows can choose specific tracks tailored to their career goals, including paths toward becoming clinician-educators, healthcare administrators, academic clinicians, or community-based physicians. Each track offers a distinct structure for the division of clinical and research responsibilities, enabling fellows to gain the skills necessary for their expected career trajectories.

Educational Curriculum

The program prioritizes continuous education through various conferences, covering both clinical practice and research discussions. Fellows are expected to attend a minimum percentage of conferences to remain eligible for graduation. Feedback is provided through numerous platforms, including the Pulmonary Research Conference and clinical journal clubs, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

Application Process

For applicants, completing a fellowship application requires submission of specific documents, including USMLE Step scores, a letter from the residency program director, and reference letters. The program values diversity and is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and social justice within its training environment.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program supports international applicants and can sponsor various types of visas for eligible candidates. It is important for applicants to note that the program is competitive, welcoming both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs).