Pulm/CC Fellowship Application 2009-2010

[VJWDO]

So I have decided to stop trolling and participate. I declare this the start of Fellowship season for those of us participating in the 2009-2010 application cycle.

In keeping with previous years threads I will start with my creds:

D.O.
PGY-3 in an allopathic University program
Incoming Chief Resident for 2010-2011
Step scores 90's
No Research, 1 peer reviewed publication, 2 poster presentations
I enjoy long walks on the beach, pina coladas, and getting caught in the rain!
I plan on applying to around 20-30 programs

I look forward to hearing from everyone.
Good luck and let the acid reflux begin.

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[jdh71]

A little early to set it off . . . but not as bad as last year (We're much cooler than that class anyway [and yeah, hern, cobb, I'm talkin' bout you guys! ])

Start asking for letters now, get the ball rolling on transcripts and such, and buy your ERAS token and get your application as ready as possible. We all work long and hard, and it would be nice to submit in December and with everything done, juts sit and watch the interviews come rolling in . . .

Orrrrr don't . . . yeah . . . I want LESS competition this cycle . Yeah, scratch all of the above.

Good luck guys.

Edit:

• MD
• PGY2 - mid tier Uni Program
• 228/242/219 (90's, but I forget the specific two digit numbers)
• +Research Experience, 1 peer-reviewed publication (not first author), 5 posters presentations, 1 oral presentation, and currently working on a Pulm/CC specific research project set for publication
• Have a short list of about 10 programs I will definitely be sending an application to, and will probably end up applying to 20
• My interests are evenly spread between Pulm and CC (hey, who doesn't like the unit?) - definitely looking for a program that has strong Pulm HTN and will train me in endobronchial U/S, plus enough unit time that I won't get too bored

Edit #2: Looking for a strong research base as well

 

[Hernandez]

[*]My interests are evenly spread between Pulm and CC (hey, who doesn't like the unit?) - definitely looking for a program that has strong Pulm HTN and will train me in endobronchial U/S, plus enough unit time that I won't get too bored

I wonder which program fits that bill

Good luck guys, I'm glad I don't have to go through this again.

 

[Tigerz_Fan]

Good luck guys!

 

[gutonc]

• My interests are evenly spread between Pulm and CC (hey, who doesn't like the unit?) - definitely looking for a program that has strong Pulm HTN and will train me in endobronchial U/S, plus enough unit time that I won't get too bored

Pulm HTN? Really? I actually think that's an Axis II disorder rather than a pulmonary diagnosis! We had a really strong Pulm HTN program until the main person left the institution. The Pulm/CC fellows seemed so much happier after that.

 

[jdh71]

Pulm HTN? Really? I actually think that's an Axis II disorder rather than a pulmonary diagnosis! We had a really strong Pulm HTN program until the main person left the institution. The Pulm/CC fellows seemed so much happier after that.

You should PM me where this psychiatrically challenged pulmonary hypertension specialist went to so I can avoid that place in the application process

 

[ResidentMD]

Pulm HTN? Really? I actually think that's an Axis II disorder rather than a pulmonary diagnosis! We had a really strong Pulm HTN program until the main person left the institution. The Pulm/CC fellows seemed so much happier after that.

Considering I am a med student interested in PCCM and am looking at univs with strong PCCM depts, I have heard that UCSD is pretty focused on pulmonary HTN. Of course, this discussion may actually be way above my head...but thought of chipping in

 

[gutonc]

You should PM me where this psychiatrically challenged pulmonary hypertension specialist went to so I can avoid that place in the application process

Oh...it wasn't the physician - all the fellows loved her. It was the patients. They are batshizzle crazy. I had to take a week of home call while on a Pulm month as an intern. Every single call I got was from a Pulm HTN patient and they tended to be things like "yeah...I'm a patient of Dr PulmHTN and I'm on Revatio, Tracleer and Ventavis. I'm currently on the run from the law and I'm about 2500 miles away from your hospital but can't really tell you where I am because I think the police are listening in on this call, but I don't feel very good right now...what should I do?" I actually got a call exactly like this (only the distance was 500 miles and she at least gave me the time zone) and I managed to blurt out "go to the ER" before bursting out in laughter and hanging up.

 

[jdh71]

Oh...it wasn't the physician - all the fellows loved her. It was the patients. They are batshizzle crazy. I had to take a week of home call while on a Pulm month as an intern. Every single call I got was from a Pulm HTN patient and they tended to be things like "yeah...I'm a patient of Dr PulmHTN and I'm on Revatio, Tracleer and Ventavis. I'm currently on the run from the law and I'm about 2500 miles away from your hospital but can't really tell you where I am because I think the police are listening in on this call, but I don't feel very good right now...what should I do?" I actually got a call exactly like this (only the distance was 500 miles and she at least gave me the time zone) and I managed to blurt out "go to the ER" before bursting out in laughter and hanging up.

Oh! Yeah, plus that fact that when these PulmHTN patients get admitted they are always like 5 seconds away from coding. You pray they don't even sneeze. I've never seen one come back.

(an important realization I made over the last year, really sick people . . . they die)

 

[gutonc]

(an important realization I made over the last year, really sick people . . . they die)

I tell you what. If you learn only this during your residency, you are in business. If this idea informs everything you do from here on out you'll be a better doc than most.

 

[Moozy]

Well.. my wishes to all of you who are applying this year. Good Luck.

Pulm HTn is my interest too but only a few offer strong component of Pulm HTN and clinical training/research. VCW is certainly the best I came across. Great mentorship in Pulm HTN and strong clinical program. Yale has a weak budding Pulm HTN program and is more focused on bench research (asthma) than clinical training. There are a few others but to get a good mix is difficult. Cleveland clinic would be another program with relatively okay Pulm HTN but I did not like that program much. Other places like St Lukes/Cook county/lahey clinic offer excellent clinical training esp. with the ICU and also have Pulm HTN clinics with lots of opportunities for clinical research. cook has advantage of having all their didactics at Rush and the affiliation is very strong for one to pursue research. It is a very busy program though. Lahey is strong in IP and so is Tufts. Tufts has Nick Hill who is famous in Pulm HTN. Again another strong clinical program.

It is mostly upto you what you want. Strong clinical training including IP with relatively okay sub-specialty experience but with your interest you can do clinical research or a strong subspecialty program with not that great clinical experience but lots of opportunities for research. I preferred the former and am glad to have matched at such a place. Good Luck all.

 

[VJWDO]

Anyone else having trouble writing personal statement? I have no idea what to wirte. Once I got into residency I would hear my PD talk about how they hated most personal statements because they told her what the applicant though she wanted to hear and were not reallly true representations of the applicants. If I were to write a PS that truly showed my personality half the PD's would be rolling on the floor and the other half would throw it in the trash for being too inappropriate. What should I do? Any advice from people who have had inside conversations with PD's?

 

[jdh71]

Anyone else having trouble writing personal statement? I have no idea what to wirte. Once I got into residency I would hear my PD talk about how they hated most personal statements because they told her what the applicant though she wanted to hear and were not reallly true representations of the applicants. If I were to write a PS that truly showed my personality half the PD's would be rolling on the floor and the other half would throw it in the trash for being too inappropriate. What should I do? Any advice from people who have had inside conversations with PD's?

Would you really want to go to a program where a PD would throw your "real personality" on the floor?

I'm probably going to start my personal statement with how much I despise them and how much I'm glad that it's my last (I'm serious about this). I'll talk about what I want to do with my life generally (academic medicine) and what I want from a pulm/cc fellowship. I won't write it very formally at all.

I'll let the chips fall where they may. I'm tired of playing the game.

 

[New York City]

Okie, continuing to add creds for this application season.

PGY2 IMG on H1
Community hosp, Univ affiliated, NYC
USMLE scores: 97/98/82
2 poster presentations, no publications, ongoing research
Mainly applying to the tri state area.
Love both Pulm and critical care. Will be applying to Pulm and combined Pulm/ Critical care programs.

 

[VJWDO]

Unfortunately I do not have the luxury of losing some programs simply because I wanted to be a little self indulgent with my personal statement. I think I will play it safe and then let my personality show during interviews.

 

[jdh71]

Unfortunately I do not have the luxury of losing some programs simply because I wanted to be a little self indulgent with my personal statement. I think I will play it safe and then let my personality show during interviews.

it's your game hoss, play it how you want

 

[gout]

Hi - How many LORs are required to apply for the PCCM.

Rightnow, I have the PD letter + 2 LORS. Is this enough or should I get a fourth letter??

 

[VJWDO]

most places require 3 (including the PD letter).

 

[EBUS]

Quick couple of questions folks
1. better PCCM programs- clinical/research/both
2. programs accepting visas/J1, H1B
Thanks in advance

 

[EBUS]

does anybody know where to get lit of programs that do not use ERAS or the match? thx

 

[Hernandez]

does anybody know where to get lit of programs that do not use ERAS or the match? thx

Per Frieda

Naval Medical Center (San Diego) Program
San Diego, California 156-05-13-007

National Capital Consortium (Walter Reed) Program
Washington, District of Columbia 156-10-21-082

New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens/Cornell University Medical College Program
Flushing, New York 156-35-13-143

Staten Island University Hospital Program
Staten Island, New York 156-35-21-146

VA Caribbean Healthcare System Program
San Juan, Puerto Rico 156-42-21-126

San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program
Fort Sam Houston, Texas 156-48-21-070

 

[EBUS]

Per Frieda

Naval Medical Center (San Diego) Program
San Diego, California 156-05-13-007

National Capital Consortium (Walter Reed) Program
Washington, District of Columbia 156-10-21-082

New York Hospital Medical Center of Queens/Cornell University Medical College Program
Flushing, New York 156-35-13-143

Staten Island University Hospital Program
Staten Island, New York 156-35-21-146

VA Caribbean Healthcare System Program
San Juan, Puerto Rico 156-42-21-126

San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium Program
Fort Sam Houston, Texas 156-48-21-070

Thanks a lot Hernandez. Some of them seem to have a lot of service commitment!

 

[EBUS]

Hi - How many LORs are required to apply for the PCCM.

Rightnow, I have the PD letter + 2 LORS. Is this enough or should I get a fourth letter??

VJWDO is right PD + 2 should suffice for most programs. But a few programs do ask for the 4th letter. So it would be better if you have another letter. GL

 

[VJWDO]

So I was wondering if any of you knew why University of Louisville was not participating in the match this year. Their website indicates they are accepting apps through ERAS and NRMP but you cannot select the program on ERAS. I tried to email them but they did not reply to my inquiry.

Any thoughts??

 

[VJWDO]

So apparently their status has chaned and they are accepting apps. Must have been too early.

 

[EBUS]

I think as the submission date nears, we should get this thread accessible to all interested parties for exchange of ideas and information. It seems buried in a maze of threads( if you start from the home page).
Please suggest ways to make this thread more accessible to browsers!
Thanks.

 

[EBUS]

What are your thoughts on the top 5-pccM programs.
In no particular order, these programs have caught my attention
UPMC pittsburgh, Upenn, Mayo, CCF, JH,
What about Univ of Washington, Seattle and the NYC programs.
Thanks in advance.

 

[souljah1]

Pitt - Great critical care training and a huge transplant program. Not so sure about how well they can provide formal training in clinical epi/translational research/biostats/etc. Fellows take in house call every so often (get extra cash) and are way more hands on in the unit than at other top programs.

Penn - Great pulmonary and critical care clinical training. No holes in their training. Strong transplant, ILD, CF, Critical Care, etc. Also, free formal training in either clinical epi, translational research, or health services. No in house call. Residents run the unit with the fellows at home to provide insight, assitance.

Mayo - no idea, but it is in the middle of nowhere....

CCF - no idea, heard fellows are too hands on..

Hopkins - see my review from last year's interview thread

UW - awesome. Closest program on the east coast is Penn.

NYC programs - for academics, not as good as Partners, Pitt, Penn, Hopkins, Duke, UNC..

 

[EBUS]

Thanks souljah1 for the updates on these programs.
Are there any programs that have specifcally caught your attention- for good or bad reasons!

 

[ResidentMD]

Pitt - Great critical care training and a huge transplant program. Not so sure about how well they can provide formal training in clinical epi/translational research/biostats/etc. Fellows take in house call every so often (get extra cash) and are way more hands on in the unit than at other top programs.

..

Just FYI...Pitt now has a 4 year PCCM fellowship for those interested in translational research. And you can do a certificate course in clinical research or even a masters for the clinical epi and biostats.

 

[draks]

Hello Guys,

I am new to this forum. Does anyone give me any insight on :

1.Pulmonary program at Rosalind Franklin (Chicago)- Mt Sinai and

2. University of Tenessee at Knoxville- Pulmonary program.

Both are only pulmonary but I wanted to know if anyone has any info on either of these programs.

draks

 

[EBUS]

Hello Guys,

I am new to this forum. Does anyone give me any insight on :

1.Pulmonary program at Rosalind Franklin (Chicago)- Mt Sinai and

2. University of Tenessee at Knoxville- Pulmonary program.

Both are only pulmonary but I wanted to know if anyone has any info on either of these programs.

draks

Sorry buddy, no idea!

 

[EBUS]

Just FYI...Pitt now has a 4 year PCCM fellowship for those interested in translational research. And you can do a certificate course in clinical research or even a masters for the clinical epi and biostats.

Does Pitt have a strong IP set up/fellowship.
Thanks in advance!

 

[Hernandez]

Hello Guys,

I am new to this forum. Does anyone give me any insight on :

1.Pulmonary program at Rosalind Franklin (Chicago)- Mt Sinai and

2. University of Tenessee at Knoxville- Pulmonary program.

Both are only pulmonary but I wanted to know if anyone has any info on either of these programs.

draks

I don't know anything about the programs, but just something to keep in mind, that Pulm only has more applicants per spot than Pulm-CC. (For 2008's match, 86 applicants for 20 seats vs 607 applicants for 397) and last year they only had 15 seats for staight pulm in the match

 

[EBUS]

Anybody have an idea about the Univ Maryland program?
Living in the shadow of JH , usually not much is discussed about it! Heard trauma critical care is good.
Many thanks!

 

[ResidentMD]

Does Pitt have a strong IP set up/fellowship.
Thanks in advance!

Not sure..but in all probability, if thats an area lacking, they will make up for it, the way things are progressing.

 

[RTrain]

Just FYI...Pitt now has a 4 year PCCM fellowship for those interested in translational research. And you can do a certificate course in clinical research or even a masters for the clinical epi and biostats.

Took the words right out of my mouth! The new division chief is fired up about the translational research track.

 

[EBUS]

Would anyone know the months when most interviews are held.
Is it Feb, march or is it March, april.
Just want to have an elective month during this period!
Thanks

 

[PCCM45]

Can you guys tell when to apply for fellowship.is it dec?

 

[PCCM45]

IMG .needs H1B
98/99/76
1-peer review article
1 oral presentation
1 poster presentation
ongoign research

what are my chnaces in pul/critical care in H1B.
can anyone please post programs sponsoring H1B .I wiill really appreciate that.

 

[jdh71]

IMG .needs H1B
98/99/76
1-peer review article
1 oral presentation
1 poster presentation
ongoign research

what are my chnaces in pul/critical care in H1B.
can anyone please post programs sponsoring H1B .I wiill really appreciate that.

You can post your application December 1

To check for H1b: check the program's website and if not there obviously, pick up the telephone and call

 

[PCCM45]

thankx jdh for information
do u know what are my chances of getting fellowship

 

[jdh71]

thankx jdh for information
do u know what are my chances of getting fellowship

Hern, I think posted the results of last year's match somewhere . . . let me try and find it, and if I remember correctly, about 49% of those matching last year were IMG.

I would imagine this is going to be much like matching in IM. You have your top 5 places where are VERY difficult and competitive to get into, and then after that you have another say 20 university programs considered in the top of the field, and then everywhere else where you should get clinical training, but won't be very conducive to a career in academic medicine.

So based on the intuitive logic here, I would think you've got s good shot at matching somewhere.

 

[ResidentMD]

Hern, I think posted the results of last year's match somewhere . . . let me try and find it, and if I remember correctly, about 49% of those matching last year were IMG.

I would imagine this is going to be much like matching in IM. You have your top 5 places where are VERY difficult and competitive to get into, and then after that you have another say 20 university programs considered in the top of the field, and then everywhere else where you should get clinical training, but won't be very conducive to a career in academic medicine.

So based on the intuitive logic here, I would think you've got s good shot at matching somewhere.

I agree with this. I am currently applying for IM, but have my eyes on a PCCM fellowship, so am obviously looking at programs that have both departments that are strong.

The interesting thing is, the top 5 in IM (JHU, Harvard*3, UCSF, UPenn) may not necessarily have the best PCCM fellowships (save UCSF). They are all good,but I guess the best PCCM fellowships would be at Colorado, Pitt, UCSF, UW, WashU (maybe Vandy - dont know about the Pulmonary there) right?

 

[jdh71]

I agree with this. I am currently applying for IM, but have my eyes on a PCCM fellowship, so am obviously looking at programs that have both departments that are strong.

The interesting thing is, the top 5 in IM (JHU, Harvard*3, UCSF, UPenn) may not necessarily have the best PCCM fellowships (save UCSF). They are all good,but I guess the best PCCM fellowships would be at Colorado, Pitt, UCSF, UW, WashU (maybe Vandy - dont know about the Pulmonary there) right?

UPenn is = UW and UCSF in my humble opinion . . . of the programs you mentioned this is the way I see it:

Colorado > Pitt > UW = Penn > UCSF = WashU

 

[ResidentMD]

UPenn is = UW and UCSF in my humble opinion . . . of the programs you mentioned this is the way I see it:

Colorado > Pitt > UW = Penn > UCSF = WashU

True. Any other places you recommend that are up there, especially for preparing those interested in PCCM research careers? I know a lot of people go to NIH and that HMS has a joint program with the hospitals - but I dont know where they figure on the ROL.

 

[jdh71]

True. Any other places you recommend that are up there, especially for preparing those interested in PCCM research careers? I know a lot of people go to NIH and that HMS has a joint program with the hospitals - but I dont know where they figure on the ROL.

Of the top of my head, I think UCLA and TexasSWern both have research tracks, probably Vanderbilt, Mayo, and Iowa as well.

 

[ResidentMD]

Of the top of my head, I think UCLA and TexasSWern both have research tracks, probably Vanderbilt, Mayo, and Iowa as well.

Yes - Vandy, Mayo and Iowa all 3 have research tracks. UTSW takes interns into the research track from PGY-2 onwards..not sure about UCLA.

I meant to say programs that have up and running comprehensive PCCM research groups, and hence would be a good place to do a PCCM fellowship and become an independent investigator eventually e.g. UPMC, UCSF, UW, Colorado. (P.S. I know that can happen at any good academic place, just thinking in terms of "fertile ground")

 

[jdh71]

Yes - Vandy, Mayo and Iowa all 3 have research tracks. UTSW takes interns into the research track from PGY-2 onwards..not sure about UCLA.

I meant to say programs that have up and running comprehensive PCCM research groups, and hence would be a good place to do a PCCM fellowship and become an independent investigator eventually e.g. UPMC, UCSF, UW, Colorado. (P.S. I know that can happen at any good academic place, just thinking in terms of "fertile ground")

I meant the pulm/cc fellowship has a four year research track. I wasn't talking about the residencies.

 

[ResidentMD]

I meant the pulm/cc fellowship has a four year research track. I wasn't talking about the residencies.

Ohh! Thanks. Btw where does Univ of Chicago figure in all of these? I have heard its the birthplace of many-a-PCCM academicians with Jesse Hall at the roost. They seem to do some good translational research as well.