Rush University Medical Center Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Rush University Medical Center is a fully accredited three-year program designed for in-depth clinical training and extensive research opportunities in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. This fellowship provides an environment where fellows work closely with experienced faculty in a collegial and supportive atmosphere, preparing graduates to become distinguished clinicians, educators, and scientists. Graduates are eligible for board certification in both pulmonary disease and critical care medicine upon completing the program.

Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have successfully completed an Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education-accredited internal medicine residency program. Applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by the end of July. Required components of an application include:

• A letter of recommendation from the residency training program director
• Two or more additional letters of recommendation from clinical faculty and/or research mentors
• A statement outlining personal and career objectives
• Scores from the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX)
• Medical school dean's letter and transcripts

Applicants selected for interviews will be notified by email. All interviews are conducted virtually, in compliance with current recommendations. The training will commence the following July.

Program Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship at Rush University Medical Center is known for its competitiveness. It welcomes both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs), making it DO/IMG friendly. The program offers visa support and can sponsor J-1 visas for international fellows.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum encompasses various rotations throughout the three years, including inpatient rotations and outpatient clinic experiences. First-year fellows focus on mastering essential procedural techniques and transitioning into the role of specialists in intensive care units. Second and third-year fellows delve into more specialized ICUs and procedural electives. The fellowship operates on a night float system rather than an overnight call system, ensuring that one fellow covers the ICU overnight.

Sample Rotation Schedule

Each fellow rotates through various services including but not limited to:

• Severe asthma management
• Cystic fibrosis care
• Pulmonary hypertension
• Interventional pulmonary procedures
• Interstitial lung disease assessments

These rotations provide a rich and diverse clinical experience, contributing to the fellow's growth in delivering high-quality care.

Research Opportunities

Research is a crucial component of the fellowship, with annual conferences where fellows can present their projects. Participation in the Rush's Master of Science in Clinical Research program is available, which prepares candidates to apply for a National Institutes of Health K Award. All fellows are also required to complete a quality improvement project presented during the Rush Safety and Quality Fair. Active involvement in clinical trials, particularly concerning new therapies, is a hallmark of the fellowship.

Training Facilities and Resources

Rush University Medical Center is a major referral center for adult solid organ transplants and ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation). The program provides access to state-of-the-art facilities, including bronchoscopy suites, pulmonary clinics, and other essential training environments, ensuring that fellows receive comprehensive training in a variety of contexts.

Fellowship Community and Alumni

The fellowship emphasizes a strong sense of community, as highlighted by the camaraderie demonstrated by fellows during and after training. Graduates of this fellowship program have successfully transitioned into distinguished careers across various reputable institutions, showcasing the program's effective training and supportive nature.

COVID-19 Response and Experience

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rush University Medical Center played a pivotal role in managing critically ill patients. The fellows were integral in this response, actively engaging in patient care and contributing to various clinical studies aimed at better understanding and treating the disease.

Educational Initiatives and Teaching

In addition to clinical practices, the program fosters a robust educational environment. Current fellows are actively involved in developing curricula for medical students and residents. The program places a strong emphasis on the training effectiveness and educational support needed for future physicians.