Summa Health System/NEOMED Program

The Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is based at Summa Health System’s Akron campus, which features a dedicated critical care tower with 78 ICU beds. The fellowship offers both a three-year dual-accreditation program in pulmonary and critical care medicine as well as a two-year critical care medicine track aimed at those seeking single-accreditation training. This allows prospective fellows to choose a path that aligns with their career aspirations.

At Summa Health, fellows gain extensive clinical experience through a diverse array of specialized rotations. These include neurocritical care, surgical and cardiothoracic critical care, palliative care, anesthesia, and various electives. The fellowship incorporates a multidisciplinary approach where fellows participate in a medical ICU rounding team that includes faculty from Nephrology and Infectious Disease, thereby enhancing their learning opportunities in critical care.

Fellows will benefit from the institutional support provided by Summa Health, including a well-staffed pulmonology clinic that allows for considerable autonomy and engagement with a broad spectrum of clinical cases. Summa Health’s affiliation with Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) further enriches the training environment as fellows will interact with medical students and residents from diverse disciplines, fostering an academic atmosphere.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to offer a comprehensive educational experience. It prepares fellows for the various complexities encountered in the fields of pulmonary disease and critical care medicine. The fellowship emphasizes hands-on training through Summa's state-of-the-art simulation lab, which provides essential training in bronchoscopy and critical care procedures.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship also prioritizes research, facilitated by the Summa Health Clinical Research Center. Fellows have abundant opportunities to engage in clinical research and scholarly activities throughout their training, which enhances their understanding of evidence-based practices and contributes to advancements in the field.

Stipends and Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive stipend that is determined by their postgraduate year level. The comprehensive benefits package includes three weeks of vacation annually, access to health and dental insurance, and a monthly food stipend. Each fellow is also encouraged to attend one educational conference per year, with travel restrictions limited to the continental United States. Additional benefits include dedicated on-call quarters with amenities such as personal computers and communal areas designed for staff wellness and relaxation.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must meet specific eligibility criteria. Graduates from accredited medical schools in the U.S. or Canada, as well as international medical graduates with appropriate certification from the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), are eligible to apply. All applicants must have passed both Step 1 and Step 2 of the USMLE or the COMLEX equivalent prior to consideration. Moreover, candidates must have graduated from medical school no more than three years prior to the anticipated start date at Summa Health.

The fellowship program accepts only J-1 visa candidates, demonstrating a commitment to supporting international medical graduates. This aspect reflects the program's inclusivity and the intention to cultivate diversity within the medical field.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must submit their application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), participating in the December match. Hence, it is crucial for candidates to familiarize themselves with all eligibility requirements prior to applying. Upon submission, selected applicants will be invited for interviews to further assess their qualifications and fit within the program.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program at Summa Health is regarded as competitive, attracting a diverse group of applicants. Its hybrid nature as a community hospital integrated with academic elements makes it distinctive. The program welcomes both DO and IMGs, aiding in an inclusive education and training environment that nurtures upcoming physicians.