Pulmonary

Learn to identify and manage common pulmonary disorders and know when it is appropriate to refer to a pulmonary specialist.

You will examine and evaluate both new and established patients under the supervision of attendings and will be involved in the formulation of therapeutic and diagnostic management plans.

This is a rotation usually during the PGY-2 of PGY-3 years when one resident is primarily responsible for attending the pulmonary clinics. In-patient consults may be done at the discretion of the attending. Normal and abnormal physical findings, complications, therapeutic implications are discussed in depth with the supervising attending. Discussions with parents about the findings and continued plans are done in conjunction with the attending pulmonologist.

Comprehensive Training

Our training will provide you with the following structure for approaching and managing respiratory disease:

  • knowledge of basic respiratory structure and function
  • understanding of the pathophysiology, presentation, management, and complications of common respiratory diseases
  • awareness of uncommon respiratory disorders and their mode of presentation
  • acquisition of the necessary skills and knowledge needed to complete a thorough history and physical examination pertinent to diseases of the respiratory system
  • understanding of the physiologic basis of pulmonary function tests, how to determine which tests are appropriate, and interpretation of simple pulmonary function tests
  • knowledge of the various radiology studies available for examining the respiratory tract and their usefulness in different respiratory conditions; interpretation of chest radiographs
  • ability to manage patients with common respiratory disorders as both outpatients and inpatients, to determine when hospitalization is required, and to provide telephone advice
  • cognizance of the special problems of technology-dependent children; ability to manage simple equipment problems
  • understanding of the medical and psychosocial approach to the patient with chronic respiratory disease
  • awareness of the resources available within the community for assisting in the care of patients with respiratory disease

Meeting these goals will enable you to competently manage the types of respiratory problems encountered in private practices, clinics and emergency rooms today.

Didactics/Rounds

Specialty conferences occur weekly and cover the topics listed above as well as specific patient-based examples. The pulmonary division also takes part in a once-per-month case-based teleconference with four other pulmonary divisions, and a once-per-month research conference with the PICU and NICU.

Caseload

  •  follow 2 to 3 patients daily on the inpatient consult service 
  •  see 2 to 5 daily patients in an outpatient pulmonary clinic

Years Taken

  • PGY-2, PGY-3 or PGY-4

Length of Rotation

4 weeks

Clinical Site

Patient Population

  • children referred for pulmonary evaluation and treatment
  • special populations may include: cystic fibrosis and pulmonary disease in neuromuscular disorders