University of Minnesota Program

Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship Program Overview

The Interventional Pulmonology (IP) fellowship program at the University of Minnesota Medical Center offers a one-year training focused on advanced techniques and management in interventional pulmonology. This specialized program is designed for those who have completed an accredited Pulmonary & Critical Care fellowship and are board eligible or certified in this field.

The primary training site is the University of Minnesota Medical Center (UMMC), a tertiary referral center that caters to local, regional, and international patients. The program is fully accredited by the ACGME, ensuring the quality and integrity of the clinical education provided.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship program comprises multidisciplinary teams that deliver integrated care for a diverse patient population. The clinical experience involves various procedures conducted within the Endoscopy Unit and operating rooms, complemented by direct rotations in thoracic surgery.

Fellows attend multiple multidisciplinary meetings to discuss complex cases. This includes:

• Pulmonary tumor board: Held every Tuesday at noon, it includes attendees from Thoracic Surgery, Interventional Pulmonology, and other specialties.
• Pulmonary nodule conference: Every Friday at 7 AM, focuses on case discussions involving diagnostic strategies.
• Complex airway meetings: Conducted every other Monday, offering insights into challenging airway cases.
• Lung transplant meetings: Occur weekly, collaborating with multiple specialties involved in transplant medicine.
• ILD meetings: Held every other Monday to discuss interstitial lung diseases.

Fellows are encouraged to attend departmental conferences, including Morbidity and Mortality conferences as well as Grand Rounds, enriching their educational experience.

Clinical Training and Responsibilities

Fellows spend substantial time in clinics alongside faculty, primarily at the Masonic Cancer Center, where they assess and manage a broad spectrum of cases, including:

• Pulmonary nodules
• Benign airway diseases
• Pleural diseases
• Thoracic malignancies

This hands-on training is complemented by experience in performing diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy, ensuring fellows acquire practical skills essential for their future practices.

Research and Academic Expectations

Research is integral to the fellowship, with each fellow required to complete a project that culminates in presentations at national or international meetings. Opportunities for collaboration with the Medical Device Center enable fellows to engage in innovative projects related to interventional pulmonology, enhancing both academic and practical experiences.

Application Process and Requirements

Candidates interested in the IP fellowship must already have completed or be currently enrolled in an accredited Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine fellowship. The program accepts one fellow per academic year, with applications processed through the Interventional Pulmonary Fellowship Application System managed by the American Association of Interventional Pulmonology Program Directors.

Application submission must be completed by August 15 of the preceding year, with interviews generally scheduled for September to October. Notably, the program does not sponsor H1B or J-1 visas for fellowship positions.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The fellowship is described as highly competitive, with an emphasis on applicants' previous experience in pulmonary and critical care. As immigration and training standards evolve, it is crucial for applicants to understand that visa sponsorship is not available through this program, impacting international medical graduates (IMGs) planning to apply.

Fellows' Experience and Career Pathways

The fellowship has produced alumni who have gone on to significant roles in academic medicine and clinical practice. Previous fellows have secured positions in leading medical centers, contributing to the advancement of interventional pulmonology through clinical practice and research. Their experiences underscore the program's commitment to producing leaders in the field.