University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson is a comprehensive three-year program that is designed to prepare fellows for subspecialty board examination and certification. With a focus on both clinical and research training, the fellowship aligns with the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) requirements to create well-rounded physicians capable of managing complex pulmonary conditions.

Curriculum Overview

The program offers a diverse clinical experience with significant inpatient and outpatient training. Inpatient services are provided across three main campuses: Banner – University Medical Center (UMC) Tucson, Banner – UMC South, and the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System (SAVAHCS). Fellows will experience a closed ICU model for the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) and Pulmonary Consult services, which involve a collaborative approach to managing critical illnesses in various patient populations.

Inpatient Experience

The inpatient experience includes being part of teams that consist of attending physicians, fellows, residents, and medical students. The MICU team manages a wide array of critical conditions, while the Pulmonary Consult team assists other services as requested. Throughout the fellowship, fellows gain hands-on experience in interventional pulmonology through a Procedures service that includes airway management, bronchoscopy, and more advanced techniques such as endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and navigational bronchoscopy. Furthermore, fellows will have opportunities to rotate through various electives tailored to individual interests.

Outpatient Experience

Fellows maintain continuity in outpatient care through dedicated clinic time where they manage their own panel of patients. These outpatient clinics are located within the Banner – UMC Tucson and South campuses as well as the SAVAHCS. Secondary rotations include specialized clinics focused on Pulmonary Hypertension, Lung Transplantation, Lung Cancer, and other lung conditions, providing a comprehensive approach to pulmonary medicine. Furthermore, additional training in pulmonary function tests, sleep medicine, and allied specialties is available.

Training Sites

The primary training sites encompass the Banner – University Medical Center Tucson, Banner – UMC South, and the Southern Arizona VA Health Care System. Each site offers robust clinical experiences that are essential for fellows to deepen their understanding of pulmonary and critical care medicine. The program is enhanced through a collaboration with other departments and clinics within the University of Arizona Health Sciences, promoting an interdisciplinary training atmosphere.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research activities during the fellowship, particularly in their second and third years. Research may be clinical or bench-based, with support from faculty who guide the selection of relevant projects. Participation in the Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center also presents unique opportunities for collaborative and innovation-focused projects.

Competitiveness

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Arizona is highly competitive, welcoming U.S. citizens and international medical graduates. Applicants must have a standard ECFMG certificate if they are international medical graduates. Those who are accepted will be required to hold either U.S. citizenship, permanent residency status, or a valid J-1 visa, as the program does not sponsor H1B visas.

Application Requirements

To be considered for the fellowship, applicants must meet several key requirements, including:

• Completion of the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application.
• A personal statement detailing motivations and experiences relevant to the fellowship.
• Three recent letters of recommendation from professional contacts within the last year.
• Failure to have passed all required USMLE or COMLEX steps will disqualify the candidate from the interview process.

Fellows are typically appointed at the PGY-4 level regardless of prior training.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports candidates with a J-1 visa for international medical graduates, facilitating their training in the United States. However, candidates with H-1B visa status are not eligible for this program.

Salary and Benefits

Information regarding salary and benefits for fellows is provided through the UA College of Medicine’s Office of Graduate Medical Education. The program offers competitive stipends, health insurance, and various benefits similar to other fellowship programs. Additionally, all fellows enter the program at the same PGY-4 level.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship stands out due to its integrated training that focuses not only on clinical excellence but also on the development of future leaders in pulmonary and critical care medicine. The partnership with various departments promotes research, innovation, and collaboration in a rich academic environment.