University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program

Program Overview

The University of Miami/Jackson Health System Program in Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine is committed to providing comprehensive training in pulmonary and critical care through outstanding clinical education and innovative research. This fellowship aims to cultivate the next generation of leaders equipped with extensive clinical skills and scientific knowledge necessary for excellence in medical practice, education, and research.

This program features two distinct training tracks: a two-year Critical Care Medicine track with four available positions and a three-year Pulmonary/Critical Care Medicine track with twenty-two positions. Both tracks are designed to foster clinical and research expertise among fellows, with opportunities for fellows interested in pursuing physician-scientist careers to engage in a dedicated research period.

Training Locations

Fellows are provided with multifaceted training at several premier institutions, including:

• Jackson Memorial Hospital - a level I trauma center
• UHealth Tower - a leading hospital facility
• Bruce W. Carter Veterans Affairs Medical Center - recognized for high-quality veteran care
• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center - a leader in cancer diagnosis and management

Throughout training, fellows will care for a diverse patient demographic and experience a wide array of clinical pathology, promoting robust clinical competence through structured learning.

Curriculum Structure

The Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine fellowship features a well-rounded curriculum that encompasses significant clinical rotations, research opportunities, and didactic training:

Clinical Rotations

Fellows engage in extensive clinical experience across various services:

• Inpatient services for complex conditions such as tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis
• Outpatient continuity clinics for managing respiratory illnesses
• Specialty clinics focused on specific pulmonary diseases

These experiences ensure fellows refine their diagnostic skills and develop comprehensive management strategies throughout the program.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship promotes a strong emphasis on research, allowing fellows to work with mentors from diverse fields of pulmonary and critical care medicine. The program facilitates up to twelve months of dedicated research time for interested fellows, significantly enhancing their qualifications for careers in academia and research.

Didactic Training

The educational component is divided into structured conferences covering various relevant topics:

• Monday: Mechanical Ventilation and Echocardiography curricula
• Tuesday: Journal club emphasizing literature review
• Wednesday: Core lecture series on board-relevant topics
• Thursday: Grand Rounds with guest speakers and faculty presentations
• Friday: Review sessions for clinical cases, pathology, and imaging

This structured didactic program ensures fellows maintain a comprehensive understanding of current principles in pulmonary medicine.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting applicants from various backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Applicants must have completed an accredited internal medicine residency and are required to hold valid certifications in BLS, ACLS, and OSHA standards. Additionally, all applicants must successfully complete the United States Medical Licensing Examination Steps 1, 2, and 3 before commencing the fellowship.

Visa support is provided through the J1-Visa for international medical graduates who meet program requirements, ensuring a pathway for non-U.S. citizens to train within this esteemed program.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This fellowship program’s uniqueness lies in its extensive exposure to a variety of clinical environments, advanced procedures, and rare disease management— particularly infectious diseases like tuberculosis and advanced respiratory conditions such as cystic fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Fellows also participate in a broad array of procedures including interventional pulmonary techniques, thereby enhancing their procedural proficiency.

Community Engagement & Leadership Development

Through a commitment to excellence in education and clinical practice, fellows are encouraged to participate in community health initiatives and strived to cultivate leadership qualities for future roles in healthcare delivery and public policy. The program's vision includes contributing to the advancement of health systems and enhancing care delivery.