Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center Program

The Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program at Wake Forest University School of Medicine is designed to develop outstanding physician leaders who enhance the well-being of individuals affected by respiratory diseases and critical illness. This program, which is ACGME-accredited, recruits five fellows each year, creating a cohort of 15 fellows at any given time. The program is distinguished by its commitment to individual career development in a collegial atmosphere that fosters mentorship and collaboration among fellows and faculty members. Graduates emerge as specialists in community pulmonary and critical care, academic clinicians, physician-scientists, and influential leaders in their fields on local, national, and international stages.

The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion as central tenets of its mission. Commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for fellows from various backgrounds is a priority, ensuring a rich and varied educational experience.

Curriculum Overview

The training curriculum spans three years, offering a balanced mix of clinical services and structured rotation experiences that effectively prepare fellows for leadership roles in pulmonary medicine and critical care. Each fellow receives comprehensive training through a combination of direct and indirect supervision, with increasing autonomy as their skills develop. Rigorous academic experiences, including workshops and lectures, enhance fellows' medical knowledge and procedural skills in a safe and supportive learning environment. Opportunities for research are robust, with options for a fourth year for those pursuing a physician-scientist track.

Training Facilities

Most clinical training occurs at the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, a comprehensive facility with 1,004 acute care, rehabilitation, and psychiatric beds. Fellows gain extensive experience caring for patients across three main inpatient settings: medical intensive care units (ICU), surgical ICUs, and a pulmonary medicine inpatient consultation service. The program manages a high volume of patient consultations, averaging over 800 inpatient consults and nearly 3,500 MICU admissions yearly, allowing fellows to engage in hands-on learning under the guidance of experienced faculty.

Fellowship Tracks and Rotations

The curriculum can be tailored with different track options: a three-year track or a four-year track for those interested in additional research training. Fellows will engage in clinical rotations and selective areas based on their interests during the program. Training includes both inpatient and outpatient pulmonary experiences, with opportunities to assess and manage a wide spectrum of pulmonary diseases.

Research and Academic Opportunities

The fellowship program supports fellows' involvement in various research initiatives. An introductory research rotation during the first year facilitates the identification of research mentors and projects, emphasizing the creation of an environment conducive to scholarly activity. Many fellows present at prestigious conferences such as the American Thoracic Society (ATS), CHEST, and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM), with projects often leading to peer-reviewed publications.

Call Responsibilities and Educational Engagement

The call schedule is designed to ensure a fair distribution of responsibilities among fellows. Each fellow is involved in on-call duties every two weeks, allowing them to gain valuable experience managing patient care exposure during night shifts. Educational conferences and workshops are integral to the fellowship, supporting ongoing education and skill development through peer engagement and faculty-led sessions focused on vital clinical practices.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applications to the Pulmonary and Critical Care Fellowship Program must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and require registration with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Essential documents include USMLE Step I, II, and III score transcripts, a curriculum vitae, an Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate (if applicable), a personal statement detailing career goals, and three letters of recommendation, one from the residency program director. The program is competitive, attracting a diverse pool of candidates, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs).

Visa Sponsorship

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international candidates but generally does not support H-1B visa applications. Eligibility for potential applicants includes being a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or holding a valid J-1 visa. This openness to sponsoring J-1 visas potentially broadens the program's appeal to a wider range of interested fellows worldwide.