Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship
The SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program offers comprehensive clinical and research training to diagnose and manage a wide range of respiratory and critical illnesses.
A Message From the Program Director
Welcome to the Pulmonary Disease and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.
We combine vigorous didactic instruction with diverse educational experiences. Fellows have 36 months of clinical rotations, including training in:
- Medical intensive care
- Consultative pulmonary medicine
- Pulmonary function testing
- Exercise and sleep laboratories
Our advanced facilities, excellent research labs and challenging intellectual environment create an ideal setting for training in diagnosis, treatment and multidisciplinary care.
Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Setu Patolia, M.D.
Program director
Program Overview
The three-year, ACGME-accredited pulmonary disease and critical care medicine fellowship offers hands-on experience diagnosing and managing a broad spectrum of pulmonary illnesses and acute multisystem conditions.
Curriculum
Fellows have one- to two-month rotation blocks and rotate through the following sites:
- SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital
- Mercy Hospital St. Louis
- Select subspecialty clinics, including
- Pulmonary clinics
- Cystic Fibrosis Center
- Sleep Disorders Center
The MICU service provides 24-hour comprehensive care to patients with life-threatening or potentially life-threatening illnesses. Working closely with the attending physician, fellows serve as team leaders for medical residents and provide patient care, including both performing and supervising ICU-related invasive procedures.
Under the mentorship of the attending physician, fellows provide:
- Pulmonary consultation services throughout the hospital
- Inpatient and outpatient procedures
- Direction for the internal medicine residents and student team
Fellows spend one half-day per week in the Ambulatory Pulmonary Clinic, where they provide longitudinal follow-ups and see new referrals.
They also gain ambulatory management experience at the Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic.
Fellows receive training in the diagnosis and evaluation of diverse sleep disorders. Training includes:
- Taking a comprehensive sleep history
- Establishing the differential diagnosis of respiratory-related sleep disorders (e.g. narcolepsy, periodic leg movements, schedule-related disorders, insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness)
- Reviewing polysomnograms
Fellows also attend weekly, bi-weekly and monthly conferences covering:
- Pulmonary disease/critical care medicine core curriculum
- Grand Rounds
- Ultrasound
- CPET cases
- Journal Club
- QI
- Multidisciplinary sessions
- Chest
- Chest radiology
- Thoracic center
Fellows are expected to conduct research, submit their findings for publication and present at national conferences. They have the option to complete a laboratory or clinical research track, on which they learn disciplinary research techniques and the necessary skills to secure both research funding and academic positions.
Program Highlights
- Broad competency and exposure
- Teaching and mentored research opportunities
- Laboratory and clinical research tracks
- National conferences and professional development
Apply
The program has four available positions each year. Applications are accepted beginning July 15; international applicants holding J-1 and H-1B visas are eligible to apply. Interviews are held from August to October.
The program participates in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP).
Review the Application Process
About the SSM Health/Saint Louis University School of Medicine Graduate Medical Education Program
SSM Health proudly sponsors the Graduate Medical Education Program at Saint Louis University School of Medicine. This university-based training program offers a world-class academic environment that fosters clinical excellence, research innovation and compassionate care. All program participants are employed by SSM Health, ensuring a cohesive and supportive experience within a nationally recognized health system.