University of South Florida Morsani Program

Program Overview

The Interventional Pulmonology Fellowship at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine is a specialized program designed to equip fellows with advanced skills in the field of pulmonary and critical care medicine. The program spans three years and combines rigorous clinical training with academic opportunities, making it a leading choice for aspiring specialists in this dynamic field.

This program is grounded in a mission to develop pulmonary and critical care specialists who excel in both private practice and academic settings. Committed to serving medically complex and socially underserved populations, as well as veterans and cancer patients, the fellowship emphasizes comprehensive and compassionate care, aligned with the values of the University of South Florida.

Curriculum and Clinical Rotations

The fellowship curriculum consists of diverse clinical rotations across multiple esteemed institutions. Notable training sites include:

• Tampa General Hospital: A 1,041-bed tertiary care center, this hospital provides specialized services, including lung transplants and pulmonary hypertension management.
• Moffitt Cancer Center: The sole National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in Florida, Moffitt focuses on complex oncology cases coupled with interventional pulmonology services.
• James A. Haley Veterans Hospital: This Veterans Administration hospital offers fellows exposure to outpatient clinics, focusing on common pulmonary conditions in the first year and various subspecialty clinics thereafter.

Fellows engage in clinical practice through 13 training blocks each year, encompassing rotations across adult and subspecialty ICUs, providing them with a wide-ranging clinical experience.

Didactic Learning

The program also incorporates a robust didactic structure to maximize fellows' educational experiences. Key didactic components include:

• Board Review Sessions: Weekly sessions focusing on essential knowledge required for board examinations.
• Grand Rounds: These lectures cover current topics in pulmonary and critical care, fostering academic discourse.
• Journal Club: Monthly critical literature discussions assist in developing analytical skills necessary for academic research.

This structured approach enables fellows to deepen their academic understanding of pulmonary diseases and treatments.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes research as a key component of training. Each fellow is required to complete a minimum of six months dedicated to research activities. Ongoing projects presently include:

• Clinical trials focusing on medications for pulmonary arterial hypertension.
• Studies evaluating treatments for nontuberculous mycobacterial lung diseases.
• Basic and translational research initiatives led by faculty in cutting-edge pulmonary health investigations.

Fellows are encouraged to engage in various projects to enhance their research skills and contribute meaningfully to the field.

Application Process and Requirements

Prospective applicants must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Key requirements for eligibility include:

• Graduation from an LCME or AOA accredited medical school, or ECFMG certification for international graduates.
• ACLS and BLS certification.
• Active, unlicensed physician-in-training status or an unrestricted medical license in Florida.
• Submission of a complete ERAS application along with a minimum of three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from a program director.
• Capability to pass USMLE or COMLEX on first attempts.

These requirements foster a competitive selection process aimed at attracting capable, motivated candidates.

Visa Support

The program supports visa applications for international medical graduates by sponsoring J-1 visas, making it accessible for non-U.S. citizens aiming to pursue their fellowship.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting candidates who possess a strong clinical foundation and exemplary academic achievements. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO candidates are welcome, contributing to an inclusive recruiting strategy.

Unique Aspects

Unique to the program is the emphasis on both inpatient and outpatient training across diverse patient populations, along with a commitment to quality improvement and population health. The fellows also benefit from mentorship by faculty who are recognized leaders in the field.