Introduction
The Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship Training Program at the University of Florida is structured to help produce the next generation of exceptional pediatric pulmonologists through fostering personal motivation, creativity, diversity of clinical experience, scholarly activity, and teamwork.
The program offers a unique educational experience, as fellows are exposed to the full spectrum of pediatric pulmonary diseases. This includes caring for children with asthma, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease of prematurity, congenital lung anomalies, airway abnormalities, complex lung diseases, pulmonary hypertension, neuromuscular diseases, ventilator dependency, sleep-related breathing disorders, and lung transplant.
Fellows have ample opportunities to be proficient in performing and interpreting diagnostic pulmonary procedures such as lung function testing (see list below), flexible pediatric bronchoscopy, and basic pediatric pulmonary interventions.
There are numerous basic clinical and translational research opportunities that enable fellows to build a successful academic career. Clinical services through the program are not fellow-dependent, and the rotations are uniquely structured to maximize the educational experience. Fellows also have the opportunity to apply for an extra year of sleep medicine through its accredited fellowship program.
Program Contact
For more information about our Fellowship Program, call (352) 273-9011.
Mission
The mission of our program is to provide a comprehensive education to future pediatric pulmonary specialists, guiding them toward successful careers in academia, research, or clinical practice while empowering them to lead and influence the next generation of physicians.
Our vision is to be a nationally recognized pediatric pulmonary fellowship that equips fellows with the education and skills necessary to deliver state-of-the-art patient care, along with the research expertise to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the field.
Program aims include:
- Demonstrating proficiency in all areas of pediatric pulmonary care that is appropriate, effective, and focused on both treatment and health promotion.
- Developing in-depth, up-to-date knowledge in pediatric pulmonary, biomedical, clinical, and scientific information, and applying this consistently in patient care. Our goal is for all fellows to pass the subspecialty board certification exam on their first attempt, with at least 50% of graduates publishing in peer-reviewed journals within five years of graduation.
- Enhancing interpersonal and communication skills that enable fellows to build and maintain professional relationships with patients, families, and members of the healthcare team.
- Strengthening professional skills, adhering to ethical principles, and demonstrating sensitivity to a diverse patient population.
- Cultivating an understanding of the broader healthcare system and the ability to effectively leverage system resources to deliver high-value care.
- Fostering the ability to critically evaluate and improve their patient care practices by integrating scientific evidence and conducting self-assessments.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of the Pediatric Pulmonary Sub-specialty Fellowship Program in Pediatrics is to provide educational experiences in the diverse field of Pediatric Pulmonology within an intellectual environment conducive to learning exemplary practice. This goal is achieved through an organized, progressive educational experience with increasing patient care responsibilities over a three-year period, set within a diverse patient population and supported by a teaching staff that is both professionally skilled and enthusiastic about teaching.
We aim for a balanced approach that includes structured educational activities, such as didactic lectures and clinical learning, alongside patient care responsibilities. Our teaching staff also serve as role models, helping fellows develop interpersonal skills and engage in ethical decision-making. Both faculty and fellows are expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to patients, their families, and the highest standards of care.
Collaboration with the healthcare team—including Nursing, Social Services, Child Life, Physical Therapy, Respiratory Therapy, Psychology, and Nutritional Services—is emphasized. The curriculum of the Pediatric Pulmonary Sub-specialty Fellowship Program adheres to the guidelines of and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Fellowship structure
Our program is an ACGME accredited clinical fellowship that includes 12 months of clinical experience (including inpatient on-call services and outpatient specialty clinics) and 24 months of research. Clinical and research responsibilities are thoughtfully distributed across the three years, with an increased emphasis on research in the third year. Our fellows have the opportunity to pursue elective rotations in related specialties that enhance their pulmonary training and practice. These include pediatric radiology, pediatric ICU, cardiac ICU, and pediatric ENT.
Clinical Experience
Our fellows gain valuable clinical experience by managing a wide range of pediatric pulmonary conditions, working alongside our faculty in specialized pulmonary clinics, and handling unique pediatric pulmonary cases in the hospital through various inpatient consultations. In addition to the general pulmonary continuity clinics, our fellows have the opportunity to attend and work in various specialty clinics as listed below:
Our program offers excellent training opportunities in pediatric pulmonary diagnostic procedures. Our diverse patient population, multidisciplinary approach, and collaborative work with inpatient pediatric units provide a unique, high-quality experience in pediatric bronchoscopy and basic airway interventions. The presence of the lung transplant program provides an opportunity to perform transbronchial biopsy. In addition, our fellows learn how to perform and interpret various forms of lung function testing through our pediatric pulmonary laboratory. Pediatric lung function testing includes:
- Spirometry
- Bronchoprovocation testing (exercise, methacholine)
- Plethysmography
- Impulse oscillometry
- Diffusion capacity (DLCO)
- Exhaled Nitric oxide (FeNO)
- Cardiopulmonary exercise test -CPET
- Respiratory muscle strength (MIP/MEP)
Research Experience
Our pediatric pulmonary division offers fellows excellent research opportunities through collaboration with basic, clinical, and translational science researchers. We prepare our fellows for research through a graduate medical education series during their first year, along with an online course covering the basics of research and biostatistics offered in the first and second years. The fellows’ research is supported by the Pediatric Research Hub, which provides infrastructure and resources for investigators, collaborators, study staff, and departments involved in pediatric research at the University of Florida.
The Clinical and Translational Science Institute (CTSI) offers a wide range of services and resources to support investigators conducting translational research across the UF campus. Our pediatric cystic fibrosis program is part of the CF Therapeutics Development Network (TDN), the largest CF clinical trials network in the world. Our team actively participates in all ongoing clinical trials, providing a robust patient cohort and valuable opportunities for fellows to engage in CF research.
About UF
About Gainesville
Gainesville is a university community located in North Central Florida midway between the Atlantic coast and the Gulf of Mexico. The area is known for its natural beauty with its stately live oaks and many springs, lakes, and rivers.