University of Cincinnati Medical Center/College of Medicine Program

The University of Cincinnati Medical Center offers a specialized Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship program recognized by the American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology (AABIP). This program was established in 2010 and has grown significantly, currently featuring a team of three attending physicians and two nurse practitioners who contribute to the training and clinical service activities of the program.

The Interventional Pulmonology (IP) service is noteworthy for its focus on a comprehensive range of advanced procedures addressing both benign and malignant airway pathologies. It is the only service in the Greater Cincinnati area with a team of multiple attending physicians who hold formal AABIP fellowships and certifications. The fellowship emphasizes innovative techniques, including rigid bronchoscopy with mechanical and laser tumor destruction, and stent placements utilizing custom 3D printed materials.

Curriculum and Training Structure

Fellows in the program are exposed to an extensive range of clinical issues and gain hands-on experience in several advanced interventional techniques include pleural disease management, lung volume reduction for severe emphysema, bronchoscopic treatment of asthma, and endobronchial interventions for airway cancers. Training also emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to work alongside various departments such as thoracic surgery, ENT, and anesthesiology to enhance patient care and outcomes.

Research Opportunities

The University of Cincinnati Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship places a strong emphasis on research in the field. Current clinical trials include projects investigating new treatment methods for chronic bronchitis and risk assessment for lung cancer. The program supports transbronchial lung cryobiopsies and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction studies, which are integral to optimizing patient treatment strategies.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Fellows receive unique opportunities to participate in high-volume advanced procedures. The program is recognized as a center of excellence in the region for various interventional pulmonology practices, including robotic navigational bronchoscopy and endobronchial valve placements. The program utilizes the EPIC chart system and the MyChart portal for enhanced patient management, which are essential tools to provide fellows with an understanding of modern healthcare information systems.

Training Sites

Fellows primarily train at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, encompassing a robust clinical environment with integrated support from departments of thoracic surgery, ENT, and anesthesiology. The multi-disciplinary nature of the training fosters a collaborative learning atmosphere, which is pivotal in developing well-rounded interventional pulmonologists.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program offers comprehensive visa support for its international fellows and is known to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating a diverse range of applicants. The competitive nature of the fellowship draws interest from both DO and IMG applicants, creating a diverse fellowship class that enhances collective learning and perspectives.

Application Requirements

Applicants are generally required to have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in pulmonary medicine or a related field prior to applying. While specific requirements may vary, potential candidates should be mindful of the program’s expectations around clinical experience and training background.