UMass Chan Medical School Program
Location:
Worcester, MASpecialty:
Pulmonary disease and critical care medicineACGME Code:
1562412134Overview of UMass Chan Medical School Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship
The Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine at UMass Chan Medical School boasts a rich history of excellence in patient care, education, and research. This division encompasses a dedicated team that includes board-certified physicians focused on various specialties within pulmonary and critical care medicine. The program emphasizes comprehensive training that combines clinical excellence with innovative research, ensuring participants receive the highest quality education and skills to manage complex respiratory diseases.
1Curriculum Structure
The fellowship program is structured as a three-year ACGME-accredited curriculum. The first year focuses primarily on clinical chest medicine and medical intensive care, allowing fellows to gain essential skills in managing critically ill patients. The curriculum progressively builds on these foundations in the subsequent years by introducing advanced interventional pulmonary procedures and additional critical care experiences necessary for board certification eligibility.
8Detailed Rotations
Fellows participate in various clinical rotations throughout their training. The initial rotations involve direct patient care on the inpatient service where fellows manage patients under the supervision of attending physicians. As they advance, fellows rotate through interventional pulmonary services and critical care units, significantly enhancing their procedural skills and clinical decision-making abilities. Additionally, fellows engage in telemedicine applications, enhancing their experience in modern care delivery.
21Unique Aspects of the Program
The program stands out due to its high faculty-to-fellow ratio and the collaborative environment they foster. Fellows have widespread access to faculty mentorship, enabling a personalized approach to career guidance and professional development. The division's critical care telemedicine service, which provides 24/7 patient monitoring, exemplifies its commitment to using technology to enhance patient care and educational opportunities.
11Research Opportunities
Research is a crucial component of the fellowship, with fellows expected to participate in both clinical and basic science projects. Faculty members, active in various research initiatives, mentor fellows through their projects, which can lead to opportunities for presentation and publication. This framework is designed to help fellows develop into competent clinician-scientists, prepared for an academic or leadership role in their future careers.
21Conferences and Educational Activities
The program includes a robust series of educational conferences that cover key topics relevant to pulmonary and critical care medicine. Regular interdisciplinary discussions involve faculty from related specialties, enhancing the fellows' comprehensive understanding of patient management across different fields. A dedicated ultrasound curriculum and critical care conferences facilitate hands-on skill development and collaborative learning experiences.
19Fellowship Schedule
The schedule for the fellowship is designed to balance clinical practice with didactic learning. Each year includes a combination of core rotations, elective options, and opportunities for research. Over the three years, a fellow will experience a blend of inpatient management, outpatient clinics, and specialized elective rotations in areas such as anesthesiology, thoracic surgery, and sleep medicine.
22Application Requirements and Competitiveness
The program is competitive, with a focus on attracting well qualified candidates. Applicants are typically expected to have completed at least one year of residency training in internal medicine before entering the fellowship. The program is described as accepting of both MD and DO applicants, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), fostering a diverse fellowship community.
8Visa Sponsorship
The program offers visa sponsorship for qualified international applicants. Typically, the program supports J-1 and H-1B visa types, allowing international fellows to pursue their training in the United States while meeting residency training requirements.
8Conclusion
Graduates of the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at UMass Chan Medical School have a strong track record of success, with most entering academic medicine or advancing in esteemed clinical roles. This program’s combination of competitive training, dedicated mentorship, and emphasis on comprehensive patient care equips fellows with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in various career pathways.
10Website
Director
William W Wong, DOProgram Director/Assistant Professor of Medicine Appointed Since September 2022Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
48hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
14hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.4XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Worcester, MA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Worcester, MA
Worcester, MA is a diverse city with a lot to offer for residents. Here is an overview of what living in Worcester is like:
Crime Rate and Safety:
Worcester has a mid-range crime rate compared to other cities in the United States. While certain areas may have higher crime rates, overall the city is considered safe to live in.
Fun Activities:
Worcester offers a variety of cultural attractions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries. There are also numerous parks and outdoor recreational areas for residents to enjoy. The city has a vibrant food scene with diverse dining options.
Climate:
Worcester has a humid continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with average temperatures ranging from the high 20s in winter to the mid-80s in summer.
Races and Population:
Worcester is a diverse city with a population of approximately 208,000 residents. The city has a mix of races and ethnicities, contributing to its vibrant cultural scene.
Education:
Worcester is home to several higher education institutions, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Clark University. The city also has a strong public school system for residents with children.
Cost of Living:
The cost of living in Worcester is slightly above the national average. Housing costs can vary depending on the neighborhood, but overall, Worcester offers a more affordable living situation compared to nearby Boston.
Proximity to Bigger Cities:
Worcester is located approximately 40 miles west of Boston, which is about a 1-hour drive depending on traffic. Boston offers additional cultural, dining, and entertainment options for residents looking to explore a bigger city.
Pros and Cons:
One of the pros of living in Worcester is its diverse community and cultural attractions. However, one potential con could be the traffic congestion during peak times, especially when commuting to Boston.
Interview Questions
