University of Florida Program

The University of Florida's Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship Program is a prestigious one-year fellowship aimed at physicians who have already completed a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship. The program is uniquely designed to enhance the clinical skills and expertise of fellows in diagnostic and therapeutic procedures associated with airway and pleural disorders.

The overarching goal of this fellowship is to cultivate clinical investigators proficient in the diagnosis, staging, and management of lung cancer, alongside complex airway and pleural disorders, aligned with the standards of the American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology.

Fellowship Structure and Curriculum

Fellows will operate under the supervision of experienced pulmonary faculty, gaining exposure to a comprehensive array of interventional pulmonary procedures including:

• Management of malignant and benign airway obstructions
• Argon Plasma Coagulation
• Stent Insertion and Removal
• Cryotherapy
• Management of pleural effusions including thoracentesis and pleurodesis
• Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction for emphysema
• Endobronchial ultrasound and robotic bronchoscopy

The training site, UF Health Shands Hospital, is a 1,000-bed teaching facility recognized as a major tertiary care referral center for Northern Florida. The Lung Diagnostic Center is an integral part of the program, featuring two specialized bronchoscopy procedural rooms.

Training Facilities and Equipment

Fellows will have access to high-quality facilities equipped with advanced diagnostic tools, while remaining under the consistent supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) and a Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) in procedure rooms. These experts are responsible for patient assessment, monitoring, and assisting physicians during procedures. Anesthesia coverage is available as needed.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship is supported by a dedicated faculty within the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine. This ensures that fellows have consistent access to mentorship and academic guidance throughout the fellowship.

Research Component

Fellows are encouraged to engage in research projects that align with their interests within interventional pulmonology. This can involve collaborative efforts with faculty on clinical outcomes related to the procedures performed during the fellowship.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process requires prospective fellows to submit an application through the appropriate platforms. While specific eligibility criteria may fluctuate, generally applicants are expected to have completed a Pulmonary/Critical Care fellowship prior to starting the Interventional Pulmonology fellowship. Special attention is given to candidates' academic accomplishments, recommendation letters, and relevant clinical experience.

Visa Sponsorship

The program is open to international medical graduates and can sponsor J-1 or H-1B visas for fellows, ensuring a pathway for qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds to join the training program.

Competitive Landscape

The Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship is highly competitive, with a strong emphasis on exceptional clinical performance and a well-rounded academic background. The program is noted for its supportive atmosphere that is conducive to developing expertise in the subspecialty. As such, it fosters a friendly environment for applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.

Living in Gainesville

Located in North Central Florida, Gainesville offers a blend of urban amenities and outdoor recreation opportunities. The city has a lively cultural scene, excellent restaurants, parks, and easy access to natural springs and outdoor activities. This combination of features provides a welcoming environment for fellows to balance work and leisure.