University of California (San Francisco) Program

The Interventional Pulmonary Fellowship Program at UCSF is a prestigious ACGME-accredited combined fellowship designed to prepare future interventional pulmonologists for successful careers in this rapidly evolving field. The program integrates clinical training across a diverse set of practice environments, providing fellows with comprehensive experience necessary to excel in interventional pulmonary medicine.

Program Overview

This one-year fellowship consists of extensive hands-on training to master various interventional procedures, including advanced bronchoscopy techniques, airway recanalization, and management of pleural disease. The fellowship is split between UCSF Medical Center and El Camino Hospital, leveraging the unique strengths of both institutions. In addition to core procedural training, fellows gain insights into patient management and interdisciplinary collaboration through active participation in joint cases and discussions with related specialties such as thoracic surgery and oncology1.

Clinical Curriculum

The training emphasizes proficiency in a wide array of interventional skills, including:

• Airway Interventions: Advanced bronchoscopy, rigid bronchoscopy, endobronchial ultrasound, navigational bronchoscopy, and robotic bronchoscopy.
• Ablative Procedures: Cryo-probe surgery, argon plasma coagulation, electrocautery, and Nd:YAG laser treatments.
• Pleural Procedures: Thoracic ultrasound, thoracentesis, and medical thoracoscopy, all vital for diagnosing and treating pleural diseases.

Fellows are also encouraged to pursue additional research opportunities and can opt for a second research year. The program is committed to advancing interventional pulmonary medicine through innovative clinical trials and collaborations with industry partners1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with a strong emphasis on multicenter trials for new interventional pulmonary devices. Fellows have access to vast resources and mentorship opportunities to pursue their interests in clinical and translational research, enhancing their understanding and contributions to the field1.

Rotations and Didactics

The fellowship includes a structured schedule of rotations, providing a blend of clinical exposure across various settings. Rotational training occurs at:

• UCSF Medical Center
• El Camino Hospital
• Valley Medical Center

Each rotation varies in length and includes dedicated time for elective experiences in other related fields, such as thoracic surgery and laryngology. Weekly conferences, didactic sessions, and journal clubs further supplement the fellow's education, facilitating a well-rounded training experience1.

Unique Program Aspects

The interventional pulmonary fellowship at UCSF stands out due to its dual-site training, allowing fellows to experience a rich tapestry of diverse clinical settings and patient populations. The program’s collaborative environment is fostered by interdisciplinary work across specialties, preparing fellows to engage in complex patient care comprehensively. Moreover, fellows join a supportive community emphasizing mentorship and professional growth, which includes a focus on gender equity and support for women in medicine through initiatives like the Women in Pulmonary Group1.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

Important to note, the program does not sponsor J1 or H-1B visas. Applicants are required to have completed a three-year pulmonary fellowship and should be board-eligible or certified. A maximum of one failed STEP exam is considered, and all applicants must have achieved satisfactory performance in prior fellowships. The highly competitive nature of the program demands exemplary qualifications and demonstrated commitment to a career in interventional pulmonary medicine1.

Living in San Francisco

San Francisco offers an exceptional quality of life, catering to a variety of interests. The city is renowned for its diversity, cultural opportunities, and vibrant community life. Residents can explore art, nature and enjoy access to ample recreational activities. Housing options vary throughout different neighborhoods, ranging from moderately priced areas like the Inner Richmond to more luxurious locations like the Castro. Commuting options include public transport (MUNI and BART) which connects residents to the medical campuses easily, complemented by various parking solutions available for those opting to drive.

Overall, the UCSF Interventional Pulmonary Fellowship provides a thorough and evidence-based training experience, emphasizing hands-on procedural skills, robust research opportunities, and a commitment to developing compassionate leaders in the field of pulmonary medicine1.