Rishabh Bansal, MD
Rishabh Bansal, MD, was drawn to UB’s fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care due to the program’s strong clinical exposure across multiple hospital systems.
Originally from New Delhi, India, Rishabh Bansal, MD, completed his medical school education at Maulana Azad Medical College.
He later moved to the United States to pursue further training and completed his internal medicine residency at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. Bansal subsequently moved to Buffalo to pursue a fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care in the Department of Medicine at the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
His clinical interests include critical care, pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung diseases, and interventional pulmonology.
When looking at pulmonary disease and critical care fellowship programs, what qualities were most important to you?
When exploring fellowship programs, I prioritized several key qualities. First, I looked for programs that offered comprehensive clinical exposure, particularly those with a high-acuity ICU environment and a wide spectrum of pulmonary pathology.
Strong procedural training, especially in bronchoscopy, advanced airway management, and exposure to interventional pulmonology, was also important to me.
Equally significant was the presence of supportive, engaged faculty who value mentorship and foster an environment of learning and collaboration.
What specific attributes about UB’s program appealed to you the most?
I was particularly drawn to the program’s strong clinical exposure across multiple hospital systems, which provides a diverse and well-rounded experience in both pulmonary and critical care medicine. The opportunity to learn from faculty with expertise in areas particularly of my interest was especially appealing.
Lastly, the program’s collaborative culture and strong camaraderie among fellows, and balanced focus on wellness further reinforced my impression that UB is a place where trainees are both challenged and supported.
What is the training atmosphere like in the fellowship program?
The training atmosphere in the fellowship program is exceptionally supportive, collaborative and academically driven. Fellows are encouraged to ask questions, engage deeply in patient care, and gradually build autonomy within a structured and safe learning environment.
What are the benefits of the diverse training sites in the program?
One of the program’s greatest strengths is the diversity of its training sites. The medical ICU at Buffalo General Hospital provides high-acuity, complex critical care experiences that build strong clinical judgment and procedural confidence.
At the VA, busy pulmonary clinics offer exposure to a broad spectrum of pulmonary pathology and continuity of care. Fellows also rotate through specialized pulmonary clinics ensuring comprehensive subspecialty exposure.
Dedicated time with the interventional pulmonology team at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center further strengthens training in advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.
You were honored with a Siegel Award nomination for teaching in 2025. What do you enjoy about teaching?
Teaching medical students and residents is one of the most fulfilling parts of my role. I enjoy teaching because it allows me to contribute to the growth of future physicians while continuing to learn myself.
Most importantly, it keeps me intellectually engaged and reflective about my own practice.