Orlando Health Program

The Orlando Health Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) fellowship is a comprehensive three-year program offering extensive training in both pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. This fellowship consists of 24 to 30 clinical months and provides an excellent opportunity for fellows to delve into various aspects of pulmonary and critical care, with a focus on both interventional and general pulmonology. This program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring quality training and a recognized certification upon completion.

The fellowship offers two distinct tracks: the full three-year Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine track and a two-year Critical Care Medicine track, allowing fellows to choose a path that aligns with their career goals and interests.

Training Facilities

Training primarily occurs at the Orlando Health Orlando Regional Medical Center (ORMC), a state-of-the-art facility recognized as the only Level I Trauma Center in Central Florida. ORMC serves as a tertiary referral center, handling complex cases within a 150-mile radius. The comprehensive medical system also includes a range of specialty hospitals and institutes, ensuring diverse training opportunities in various subspecialties.

Curriculum

The PCCM fellowship curriculum is robust and structured to ensure extensive hands-on experience. It includes core training in:

• General and interventional pulmonology
• Critical care, including rotations in multiple ICUs (Medical ICU, Neuro ICU, Trauma ICU, etc.)
• Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, such as bronchoscopy and pleural procedures
• Research activities, where fellows are encouraged to engage in both clinical and outcome research

The curriculum also incorporates didactic sessions, multidisciplinary meetings, and veteran-led training that fosters collegial interactions and information sharing amongst fellows and faculty.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are given ample time and support to conduct research, with numerous opportunities to present at reputable conferences such as the American College of Chest Physicians and other regional forums. The program prioritizes scholarly activity and pushes fellows to engage in high-quality research that can lead to publications in respected journals.

Salary and Benefits

Fellows receive competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package. For instance, the salary is structured as follows:

• PGY 4: $68,200
• PGY 5: $71,000
• PGY 6: $73,900

Benefits include low-cost medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings options, meal stipends, free parking, and educational funds for conferences and resources. Furthermore, fellows are given three weeks of paid vacation annually, enhancing work-life balance—a crucial aspect of a successful fellowship experience.

Application Requirements

The application process for the PCCM fellowship is conducted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and is aligned with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Candidates applying must hold eligibility or board certification in Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine and have completed one or two years of preceding fellowship training, as per ACGME requirements. The highly competitive nature of the fellowship makes interviewing contingent on the total volume of applications, although all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the program offers visa sponsorship, typically in the form of J-1 visas for foreign fellows attending accredited GME programs. This support is crucial for international candidates concerned about residency visa status.

Fellowship Environment and Culture

The Orlando Health PCCM fellowship is not only dedicated to exceptional medical training but also emphasizes a culture of wellness. The program participates in initiatives aimed at reducing burnout and enhancing the wellbeing of fellows, including regular feedback assessments and structured support through resources like mentorship and physician wellness programs. This commitment to wellness is fundamental to ensuring fellows thrive both personally and professionally during their training.