St Luke's University Hospital Program

St. Luke's Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive, three-year ACGME accredited program designed for the development of well-rounded experts in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. The program accommodates four fellows annually, providing an intensive clinical training experience and preparing fellows for ABIM Board Examinations in both Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine.

With a strong emphasis on teaching and mentorship, the program fosters a collaborative learning environment that includes comprehensive educational, clinical, and procedural training. This is coupled with opportunities for fellows to engage in guided research projects and participate in various scholarly activities including multidisciplinary conferences related to Interstitial Lung Disease and Thoracic Tumor Board collaborations.

Training Structure

The fellowship curriculum is divided into three years, each offering progressively increasing levels of responsibility and autonomy. Training takes place across the St. Luke’s University Health Network, including the Bethlehem, Allentown, and Anderson campuses, allowing fellows varied exposure to different patient populations and clinical scenarios.

In the first year (PGY-4), fellows primarily focus on inpatient pulmonary consultations, outpatient clinics, and critical care in the internal medicine unit. Procedural training integrates critical care techniques and bronchoscopy, alongside dedicated research time.

During the second year (PGY-5), fellows gain heightened responsibilities, exploring lung transplant experience and refining their skills with specialized rotations in interventional pulmonology and thoracic surgery.

The third year (PGY-6) emphasizes advanced competency and autonomy, involving rotations at multiple ICUs and engagement in elective blocks tailored to fellows' interests, enhancing their clinical and procedural expertise.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship, with fellows expected to complete an original research project, alongside other scholarly activities. The program supports research through dedicated faculty involvement and structured research blocks throughout the training period. Current research interests include, but are not limited to, interstitial lung disease management, advanced pulmonary diagnostics, and the implications of COVID-19.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program boasts a diverse and highly qualified faculty consisting of experienced pulmonary and critical care physicians, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals dedicated to fostering an environment of education and mentorship. Each faculty member contributes their own clinical expertise and research interests, further enriching the fellowship experience.

Electives and Training Sites

St. Luke’s fellowship program includes diverse elective opportunities to meet fellows' professional goals, including rotations in Burn Critical Care, Cardiothoracic Critical Care, and various other specialties. Additional training occurs through rigorous procedural experience, including central venous catheter placements, advanced bronchoscopic techniques, and management of critically ill patients.

Competitive Aspects and Application Requirements

The Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at St. Luke's is competitive, welcoming candidates who have completed an ACGME- or AOA-accredited Internal Medicine Residency. Application materials include letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, personal statements, and USMLE scores. An ECFMG certificate is required for international medical graduates.

The program supports visa sponsorship for candidates needing a J-1 visa, accommodating international medical graduates in the application process.

Salary and Benefits

The salary for fellows corresponds with PGY-4 level residency compensation, alongside a range of benefits including healthcare, dental insurance, life insurance, and paid time off. Additionally, fellows have access to educational resources, funding for conference attendance, and wellness programs aimed at resident well-being.

Community Engagement

Fellows are encouraged to develop patient-centered approaches that respect cultural differences and seek to reduce health disparities in their practice. The program emphasizes community engagement and awareness, ensuring that fellows not only enhance their medical skills but also foster a sense of social responsibility.

In summary, St. Luke's Pulmonary & Critical Care Medicine Fellowship offers a robust and dynamic training experience, preparing fellows to become leaders in the field with a comprehensive skill set and a commitment to high-quality patient care.