University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

The Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine program at the University of Pennsylvania Health System is designed to nurture future leaders in medicine through comprehensive education, extensive clinical exposure, and robust research opportunities. The program emphasizes an integrated approach to patient care, research, and education that aligns with the division's mission of providing world-class clinical services and advancing the field through innovative research.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide in-depth knowledge and skills in pulmonary and critical care medicine. It includes a mix of clinical rotations, didactic sessions, and research training. The fellows receive exposure to various facets of medical care, including advanced lung disease, lung transplantation, critical care, and allergy/immunology.

Rotations

Fellows partake in diverse clinical rotations across both inpatient and outpatient settings. Key rotations involve:

• Medical Intensive Care Unit: Offering experience in acute care and management of critically ill patients.
• Pulmonary Consultation Services: Focusing on complex diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
• Research Opportunities: Fellows have dedicated time to engage in research projects that expand knowledge in pulmonary disease.

Research

The program is embedded within the prestigious Harron Lung Center, where fellows participate in pioneering research initiatives that address various aspects of pulmonary medicine. Research domains include:

• Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Thoracic oncology, including lung cancer studies
• Transplantation and regenerative medicine research

Fellows are encouraged to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at national meetings.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The University of Pennsylvania's program stands out due to its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The fellowship welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and supports those who have faced barriers in their medical careers. This approach enriches the learning environment, ensuring sensitivity to various patient populations and healthcare disparities.

Training Sites

The program operates within various state-of-the-art facilities, including:

• The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania: Recognized for its cutting-edge technologies and comprehensive care practices.
• Penn Presbyterian Medical Center: An extension of the training that reinforces essential skills in a community hospital setting.
• The Abramson Cancer Center: Allows for collaborative efforts in treating respiratory cancers.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship, primarily for J-1 and H-1B visa types, facilitating international fellows' participation.

Competitiveness

This specialty program is quite competitive. Candidates are evaluated not just on their academic achievements but also their research potential, clinical experiences, and dedication to serving diverse populations. The program prides itself on being DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG (International Medical Graduate) friendly, making efforts to recruit a varied group of fellows.

Application Requirements

Applicants need to meet specific eligibility criteria, including:

• A maximum of one failed Step exam is allowed.
• Preference is shown to candidates who graduated from medical school within the last five years.
• Evidence of clinical experience in the United States is highly valued.

Education and Training

The education offered is not limited to clinical exposure; it encompasses a commitment to lifelong learning through various avenues, including:

• Grand Rounds: Regularly scheduled sessions where experts discuss cutting-edge research and clinical practices.
• Mayock Summer Research Fellowship: A program that provides aspiring researchers with hands-on experience in pulmonary research.