University of Maryland Program

The University of Maryland’s Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Fellowship program is nationally renowned for its focus on preparing fellows for successful careers in both clinical practice and research. The program is designed to offer an integrated approach that encompasses comprehensive clinical training alongside a robust research experience, touching upon clinical, translational, and basic science realms. The overarching goals of the program include training highly competent and empathetic physicians capable of delivering exceptional patient care, balancing rigorous clinical and research training, and cultivating individual interests to support career development.

Fellows are encouraged to enhance their clinical knowledge through research endeavors, a philosophy rooted in the idea that asking and answering scientific questions leads to improved clinical practice. The program spans three years and includes a dedicated research year, maximizing opportunities for fellows to delve into academic inquiry while benefiting from a rich learning environment that includes partnerships with various prestigious institutions, such as the Shock Trauma Center and the Baltimore VA Medical Center. These partnerships provide fellows with exposure to a large and complex patient base, ensuring a diverse range of rotations essential for training future leaders in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship’s curriculum is structured to provide extensive exposure to the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary and critical care diseases. Fellows engage in rotations that include specialized areas such as lung transplant, interventional pulmonology, interstitial lung disease, and sleep medicine. Notably, fellows also have opportunities to rotate at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, exposing them to rare diseases and immunosuppressed patient conditions. The breadth of intensive care unit rotations—including medical, cardiac surgical, trauma, and neuro ICUs—ensures fellows are well-versed in critical care medicine.

Each fellow is expected to develop competencies in a variety of essential procedures including mechanical ventilation management, bronchoscopy, thoracentesis, and endotracheal intubation. The program emphasizes practical skills and clinical education through a well-designed rotation schedule, which not only covers procedural training but also includes an array of didactic learning formats 2.

Research Opportunities

Research is a core component of the fellowship experience. All fellows are required to engage in research projects under the guidance of faculty mentors. The division boasts a prolific academic presence, with significant contributions to major medical conferences and publications. Furthermore, fellows are encouraged to collaborate with diverse research mentors across various fields, including partnerships with institutions focused on advancements in health computing and vaccine development 3. Resources such as the Center for Advanced Research Training and Innovation (CARTI) provide fellows with essential training and support for their research projects.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program facilitates a multi-institutional educational collaboration known as the DC-Baltimore PCCM Education Consortium, offering an extensive three-week introductory course for incoming fellows and advanced educational opportunities throughout their fellowship. This collaboration enriches the educational experience by pooling resources and faculty expertise from multiple institutions, encompassing diverse topics critical for further specialization in pulmonary and critical care medicine 4.

Moreover, specialized centers like the Maryland Advanced Simulation, Training, Research, and Innovation (MASTRI) Center and the Shock Trauma Center provide state-of-the-art training environments for practical skills development using innovative simulation technologies.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The University of Maryland Medical Center offers sponsorship for J-1 visas for international graduates aiming to undertake fellowship training. However, it does not provide support for other visa types. The program is open to a diverse applicant pool, including both US MDs and DOs, as well as international medical graduates (IMGs). The program emphasizes diversity, welcoming applications from individuals across various demographics to promote an inclusive environment 5.

Application Requirements and Process

Applicants interested in joining the fellowship program must meet certain prerequisites, including board eligibility in Internal Medicine prior to starting the fellowship, typically achieved through completion of a three-year residency in an accredited Internal Medicine training program. The application process requires submission of materials through ERAS, including a common application, CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and exam transcripts, among others. Interview invitations are disseminated as candidates are selected based on holistic review criteria, with a firm commitment to maintaining equity and inclusivity throughout the selection process 6.

Overall, the University of Maryland Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship provides a comprehensive and well-rounded training experience that equips fellows with the skills and knowledge essential for excelling in their future careers.