University of Connecticut Program

The University of Connecticut Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at Connecticut Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive training program designed to provide fellows with both clinical and research expertise in pediatric pulmonary medicine. The program distinguishes itself through its commitment to individualized fellow attention paired with significant exposure to diverse pediatric pulmonary conditions, ensuring a robust educational experience.

Program Overview

The fellowship is hosted at Connecticut Children's, the only health system in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to pediatrics. The hospital is recognized nationally for its excellence in various pediatric subspecialties. The Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship is structured over three years, focusing on extensive clinical training and dedicated research, including a minimum of 16 months of research training, which is critical for board certification in Pediatric Pulmonology 1.

During the fellowship, fellows will manage complex patients with mentorship, allowing opportunities to develop leadership and clinical judgement skills. The fellowship promotes an engaging environment where fellows frequently interact with a diverse team of faculty members, advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs), residents, and respiratory therapists 1.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The training curriculum is divided into clinical rotations, outpatient services, and research activities, structured in a block schedule format. This approach ensures fellows experience various patient care and research contexts. Clinical responsibilities are primarily centered at Connecticut Children's Medical Center, which features a 187-bed capacity, sophisticated diagnostic equipment, and specialized pulmonary clinics 1.

Key clinical rotations include:

• **Inpatient Service** at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center: Fellows are involved in managing patients admitted to care under supervision, taking part in flexible bronchoscopy, and teaching pediatric residents on the pulmonary unit 4.
• **Outpatient Service**: Fellows see a wide range of cases, nurturing continuity of care through primary responsibility for select patients 4.
• **Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT) Lab**: Training in interpreting pulmonary function tests and applying them to patient assessments 4.
• **Sleep Rotation**: In this rotation, fellows learn about sleep disorders and the indications for sleep studies under expert supervision 4.

Fellows also engage in research activities, where they will be expected to conduct meaningful scholarly work culminating in publications and presentations at national conferences. This research is supported by a dedicated faculty mentor, allowing for focused professional development 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship program, allowing fellows to engage both in basic and clinical research. The fellows are encouraged to generate hypotheses and engage in substantive research projects, with opportunities ranging from quality improvement initiatives to translational research. All fellows are expected to present findings at national meetings annually, establishing themselves as contributors to the field 22.

Diversity and Inclusivity

The program emphasizes a commitment to diversity and inclusion within the pediatric training environment. Special efforts are taken to support and promote fellows from underrepresented groups in medicine, focusing on the enrichment of the learning atmosphere and the cultivation of relatable role models for the diverse patient population served 28.

Eligibility and Application Process

Eligibility requirements include completion of an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency and passing all USMLE steps on the first attempt, demonstrating the program's competitive nature. The program exclusively sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, showcasing its international openness while maintaining rigorous selection criteria 17, 24.

Applicants are required to submit a comprehensive application through ERAS, ensuring all materials are complete and thorough. This helps the selection committee evaluate each candidate holistically based on academic accomplishments, clinical experience, and personal attributes 1.

Fellow Benefits and Support

The fellowship offers a strong benefits package, which includes vacation time, educational stipends for conferences, and dedicated support for mental health and well-being. Well-being initiatives include regular retreats and activities focused on maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal health 26, 31.

The program's emphasis on mentorship, scholarly activities, and robust clinical training makes the Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at the University of Connecticut an exemplary choice for those aspiring to specialize in pediatric pulmonary medicine.