Hands-on fellowship training in pulmonary + critical care at Tufts Medical Center
Our pulmonary and critical care medicine fellowship at Tufts Medical Center offers a structured, progressive training experience designed to equip fellows with the clinical expertise, procedural skills, and research opportunities needed for a successful career in pulmonary and critical care. Over three years, fellows advance from supervised foundational training to autonomous clinical leadership and focused scholarly activity, supported by expert faculty and a diverse patient population in Boston.
Year 1
The first year builds a strong foundation under close supervision. Fellows rotate through pulmonary consultation services, learning to read pulmonary function tests and interpret cardiopulmonary exercise tests. They gain experience across various ICU settings, understanding how critical care differs in each. Year 1 also includes significant exposure to mechanical circulatory support devices in the medical ICU (MICU), cardiac care unit (CCU), and cardiothoracic ICU (CT-ICU). Early dedicated airway training ensures fellows develop and apply intubation skills, particularly in the Lowell General ICU. Procedural skills such as bronchoscopies, right heart catheterizations, chest tube placements, and other common ICU procedures are emphasized.
Year 2
The second year introduces subspecialty rotations, including Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine. Fellows may also complete a dedicated elective at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to expand clinical experience. Continued ICU and pulmonary medicine rotations allow fellows to practice more independently. Year 2 also provides dedicated research blocks to foster scholarly activity and support career planning.
Year 3
The third year focuses on advanced clinical responsibilities and increased research time. Fellows finalize their career plans, typically choosing one of three tracks: Clinician Scientist, Clinician Educator, or Academic Clinician. Clinical rotations serve as a capstone, with fellows leading multidisciplinary teams and independently managing complex cases in ICU and pulmonary consult settings.
We are committed to fostering an environment where fellows grow into skilled, confident physicians ready to lead in clinical care, education, and research. Our program’s blend of rigorous training, mentorship, and academic opportunities prepares each fellow to excel in their chosen career path, whether in academic medicine, clinical practice, or research innovation.