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How To Become A Pulmonologist
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Pulmonology, a branch of medicine focused on the respiratory system, encompasses crucial structures and organs such as the lungs, airways, respiratory muscles, chest wall and thoracic cavity. This complex network facilitates the vital exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Patients experiencing critical onset symptoms, managing chronic illnesses or those seeking preventative care rely on pulmonologists' expertise to address their concerns.
Pulmonologists diagnose, treat and manage a spectrum of respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer and pneumonia. As healthcare professionals dedicated to optimizing respiratory function and improving overall lung health, pulmonologists play an integral role in enhancing their patients' quality of life.
Curious about this career path? This guide details how to become a pulmonologist, overviewing pulmonologist education requirements, postgraduate training and the licensure process.
What Is a Pulmonologist?A pulmonologist, sometimes referred to as a lung doctor or lung specialist, diagnoses and treats lung disease and other structural, infectious, inflammatory and neoplastic (related to tumors and cancers) disorders and conditions.
Some illnesses or conditions treated by pulmonologists include the following:
Pulmonologists diagnose and treat various respiratory conditions and diseases. A typical day for a pulmonologist might involve seeing patients, ordering and reviewing diagnostic test results, consulting with other healthcare providers, and educating and counseling patients.
The responsibilities of a pulmonologist include the following:
Some pulmonologists conduct research to advance knowledge and treatment modalities for respiratory conditions. They may conduct clinical trials and present their findings at conferences or publish in medical journals. Additionally, some pulmonologists teach medical students, residents and fellows.
Work EnvironmentPulmonologists typically work in hospitals or medical centers, treating patients in inpatient hospital settings or outpatient clinics. Some pulmonologists work in intensive care units, where they treat critically ill patients suffering from respiratory failure. Pulmonologists also work in private practices alongside other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive outpatient care.
Some pulmonologists work in academic settings, such as universities or research institutions. In these settings, they teach medical students and residents, conduct research, publish their research in medical journals, and participate in conferences.
How To Become a PulmonologistBecoming a pulmonologist involves navigating intensive clinical rotations, mastering diagnoses and treatment modalities, patient care, research and ongoing professional development. Below, we provide a detailed step-by-step guide on how to become a pulmonologist.
Earn a Bachelor's DegreeThe first step to becoming a pulmonologist is earning a bachelor's degree, typically in biology, pre-med or closely related fields. These programs prepare students for medical school and subsequent training in pulmonary medicine through courses in biology, anatomy, physiology, chemistry, physics and statistics.
During your undergraduate studies, start preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®), a standardized exam required for admission into medical school. The MCAT measures content knowledge in biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology and sociology.
Your MCAT score is a crucial part of your medical school application, along with other factors, such as your undergraduate GPA, letters of recommendation and extracurricular activities.
Attend Medical SchoolTo become a doctor, you must complete medical school. Medical school typically lasts four years, but some schools allow students to finish in three years when combined with a specialized university track.
Coursework typically includes anatomy, pharmacology, biochemistry, psychology and medical ethics. In the final two years of medical school, students work with patients in hospitals and clinics under the guidance of experienced physicians.
Complete a Residency in Internal MedicineAfter graduating from medical school, students who plan to enter pulmonary medicine must complete a three-year internal medicine residency program. During this time, residents complete clinical rotations where they learn about, diagnose and treat patients within areas of internal medicine, such as pediatrics, family practice, psychiatry, gynecology and surgery.
Complete a FellowshipFollowing a three-year internal medicine residency, doctors can apply for a two to three-year subspecialty fellowship program that provides specialized training in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions. Trainees receive additional instruction in pulmonary physiology, molecular biology and pulmonary immunology and gain hands-on experience under supervision.
Obtain LicensurePulmonologists must obtain licensure before they can practice in their state. Licensing requirements vary, so research your state's requirements. Generally, candidates must meet pulmonologist education requirements, complete postgraduate medical training and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination® or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination.
Consider Board CertificationWhile not required, board certification is recommended to demonstrate expertise in the field. The American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM®) offers board certification. To become certified, pulmonologists must obtain state licensure, complete an internal medicine residency and fellowship in pulmonology, and pass a written and oral exam administered by ABIM.
Pulmonologist Salary and Job OutlookMedical school can cost more than $300,000, but that investment can pay off for pulmonologists. Physicians and surgeons earned a median annual salary of $229,300 in May 2022, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The BLS includes pulmonologists in this category but does not report specific salary data for these doctors. A pulmonologist's salary varies depending on their geographic location, years of experience, subspecialty, and whether they work in a hospital or private practice.
The BLS predicts average demand for physicians and surgeons from 2022 to 2032. The predicted 3% growth matches the rate across all occupations.
Pulmonology SpecializationsPulmonologists can pursue subspecialties within pulmonology, allowing them to develop expertise in specific diseases and conditions, like asthma, cystic fibrosis or COPD. They can also focus their treatment on a target demographic, such as pediatric or geriatric patients. Some additional subspecialty areas within pulmonology include the following:
Becoming a pulmonologist takes several years of education and training. This process includes earning a bachelor's degree, attending medical school and completing a residency, which takes about 13 years. This timeline varies depending on individual circumstances, program requirements and any subspecialty training pursued.
Is becoming a pulmonologist hard?Becoming a pulmonologist requires commitment, dedication and years of rigorous education and training. This process can be challenging due to the demanding nature of medical education.
Why is there a high demand for pulmonologists?Many factors contribute to the high demand for pulmonologists, such as the increasing prevalence of respiratory diseases, advancements in respiratory medicine necessitating specialized expertise, the growing complexity of chronic disease management and the aging population.
What is the difference between a pulmonologist and a lung specialist?These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating respiratory conditions. In medical contexts, the term "pulmonologist" is commonly used to refer to physicians with specialized training in pulmonary medicine. "Lung specialist" is used more broadly to describe any healthcare professional specializing in lung-related issues.
How long is residency for pulmonary medicine?A residency lasts three years following the completion of medical school. Following a residency, you can apply for a subspecialty fellowship program, which provides two to three additional years of clinical training.
Suburban Chicago Fifth Graders Take On Mission To Keep Plastic Out Of Landfills
SOUTH ELGIN, Ill. (CBS) -- Some fifth graders in South Elgin are making a difference by targeting the environment.
The kids from Corron Elementary School in Community Unit School District 303 have put together a recycling program that is keeping about 100 pounds of plastic from reaching landfills weekly in their community. Every Friday, the kids collect and weigh all the plastic they have gathered throughout the week to be recycled.
Throughout the week, the plastic is assembled in bags that are placed in front of every classroom. It all ends up in Mr. Robinson's classroom – which doubles as a recycling hub.
Mr. Robinson teaching fifth graders at Corron Elementary School. Corron Elementary School "This started out as a few plastic bags from our snack," said teacher Erik Robinson.
The lesson on recycling has grown into a full-fledged weekly operation.
Bags are brought in from home – because the kids care.
"I thought that it was really bad that we're doing all this to the environment, and we should change our ways," said Corron fifth-grader Vihaan Sadhasivan.
"We've really learned so much about protecting the environment and how big of an issue plastic is," said fifth-grader Audrey Beleski.
Plastic recycling in Mr. Robinson's class at Corron Elementary School. CBS 2 The kids have the entire school on board - collecting everything from the typical plastic shopping bag to small plastic wrappers. The impact reaches far outside the school building.
"The coolest thing is being able to give them a skill that they can use to make their world a better place," Mr. Robinson said with a smile on his face, "and I am so proud to be their teacher."
Partnering with a company called Trex on his own time, Mr. Robinson fills his car with plastic bags weekly. The plastic collected eventually becomes recycled plastic lumber, which is made into useful items such as coat racks and even benches.
A bench made from the plastic the youngsters had collected is now on display right in Mr. Robinson's classroom.
"When that bench showed up and those kids saw what their plastic had made, they were over the moon," Robinson said.
So far this school year, this class has collected more than 1,200 pounds of plastic. Some are from school, but the kids bring most from home – from friends, family, and neighbors.
"If we didn't collect it, there would be over 1,000 pounds in an ocean that can harm ocean life - or in a landfill that can cause air pollution," said fifth-grader Brianna Martinez.
The students know what plastic in the ocean can look like.
"The Pacific garbage patch is the biggest patch of garbage in the world," said Vihaan. "I don't like seeing pictures of it."
They also know what efforts to keep plastic out of the ocean look like.
"They look at mounds of plastic in my classroom, and they know they kept 150 pounds of plastic out of our oceans out of our landfills," said Robinson.
With no plans to stop, the youngsters are already planning out a recycling program at the junior high to which they will move to next year for sixth grade.
"Even if you're 10 years old, you can do something to help," Robinson said.
And it turns out quite a bit can be learned from a walk down the halls of an elementary school – and a conversation with a fifth grader.
"The future generation will be able to have a better, easier life if you recycle now," said Vihaan.
"If you want to live on this planet longer, we need to start doing something about it," said Audrey.
Mr. Robinson's class at Corron Elementary school with CBS 2 Climate Watch Reporter Tara Molina and Photographer DeAndra Taylor. Corron Elementary School The goal of the program is to reach 2,000 pounds of plastic by the end of the school year.
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Tara Molina2003 Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Review
The first choice in size extra large. IntroductionChevrolet Suburban boasts more than 40 major enhancements for 2003. The 'burb was completely redesigned for 2000, and this year's model benefits from major mid-cycle revisions.
Some of the changes can be seen, including the climate controls and a new family of radios, both of which are easier to use yet more powerful and more sophisticated than last year's. XM Satellite Radio is available, along with a new Panasonic DVD system for back-seat monkeys.
Other changes are harder to discern, but are more important. Dual-stage front airbags provide improved safety in an accident, while the availability of the StabiliTrak electronic stability control system lessens the chance of losing control. Adjustable pedals are available for an improved driving position. And an all-new electrical architecture promises improved reliability.
In spite of all these changes, the Suburban's mission has not wavered. It remains the first choice for anyone who needs to haul six or more people plus their cargo. Chevrolet Suburban offers a cavernous interior with seats that fold down for monster cargo loads. It's based on an excellent full-size truck frame and its V8 engines deliver strong torque for towing heavy loads. The Suburban provides a stable, comfortable ride for long-distance travel. And it's capable of going off road.
Suburban 2500-series models can be ordered with Quadrasteer electronic four-wheel steering for dramatically increased maneuverability in tight spaces and improved control when towing a trailer.
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LineupChevrolet Suburban comes with a choice of two- or four-wheel drive and is available in two load ranges, 1500 and 2500. Most people find the 1500 models meet their needs.
Suburban 1500 models come equipped with a 5.3-liter V8. The 2500 models are available with a choice of 6.0-liter or 8.1-liter V8s.
Two trim levels are available: LS and LT. In two-wheel drive, the LS starts at $36,305 and the LT at $39,615. In four-wheel drive, the prices are $39,105 and $42,415 respectively.
LS models come standard with three-zone air conditioning, heated outside mirrors, with a self-dimming mirror on the driver's side, six-way power front seats, side-step assist steps, a rear window defogger, fog lights and a HomeLink Universal transmitter.
LT models add luxury equipment, including automatic climate control, leather seat inserts, power folding mirrors, and a Bose premium stereo with nine speakers and a six-disc CD changer.
Z71 off-road package ($5167) includes heavy-duty springs and gas-pressure shocks, plus special appearance items outside and LT-grade comfort and convenience items inside.
A new rear-seat Panasonic DVD player ($1485 on LS, $1295 on LT) is available for 2003. XM Satellite Radio ($325) is available and receives 100 coast-to-coast channels, many of them commercial-free. An electric tilt-and-slide sunroof is available ($988-$1285) on LS and LT.
Walkaround
Chevrolet Suburban looks like an old friend. It was completely redesigned for 2000, which gave it a smoother and more aerodynamic look. Sharp edges were rounded. New headlights gave it a more contemporary appearance. But there is no mistaking the 'burb.
Two tailgate configurations are available. The one-piece rear hatch ($250) works best for most families. It's lightweight and can be opened with one hand. Also available are side-by-side cargo doors, which we like because they open wide and allow a closer working position to the cargo area. Cargo doors are also useful when pulling trailers because they will usually clear the trailer tongue jack. We also like them because it's easier to control a dog when opening them. The hinges have been re-engineered to let the doors open wide without having to disconnect the hinges manually.
A puddle lamp mounted below the side mirrors shines down to light up the perimeter of the Suburban. It can be turned on using the keyless remote. That makes it a nice feature when approaching the Suburban in a dark parking garage, as it illuminates underneath the vehicle. It can also be used in the backwoods to illuminate mud puddles.
Suburban is about 17 inches longer than the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and nearly identical to the GMC Yukon XL (which was called the GMC Suburban until recently).
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WalkaroundChevrolet Suburban looks like an old friend. It was completely redesigned for 2000, which gave it a smoother and more aerodynamic look. Sharp edges were rounded. New headlights gave it a more contemporary appearance. But there is no mistaking the 'burb.
Two tailgate configurations are available. The one-piece rear hatch ($250) works best for most families. It's lightweight and can be opened with one hand. Also available are side-by-side cargo doors, which we like because they open wide and allow a closer working position to the cargo area. Cargo doors are also useful when pulling trailers because they will usually clear the trailer tongue jack. We also like them because it's easier to control a dog when opening them. The hinges have been re-engineered to let the doors open wide without having to disconnect the hinges manually.
A puddle lamp mounted below the side mirrors shines down to light up the perimeter of the Suburban. It can be turned on using the keyless remote. That makes it a nice feature when approaching the Suburban in a dark parking garage, as it illuminates underneath the vehicle. It can also be used in the backwoods to illuminate mud puddles.
Suburban is about 17 inches longer than the Chevy Tahoe and GMC Yukon, and nearly identical to the GMC Yukon XL (which was called the GMC Suburban until recently).
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InteriorCleverly designed seating maximizes the hauling potential of the Chevrolet Suburban. The third-row seatback folds down without having to remove the headrests, then the whole thing flips forward to substantially increase cargo capacity. A short prop rod locks it into place. This bench seat can be removed and is mounted on wheels, but it weighs 75 pounds, easiest as a two-person job. After removing the third-row seat, flip the seat bottom of the second row forward, fold the seatback down (no need to remove the headrests), flip the floor extension down and you've got a huge, flat cargo space behind the driver's seat. Loading cargo is easy because there's plenty of space for it. The spare tire has been moved underneath the vehicle to free up rear cargo space.
Optional cloth bucket seats ($1035) in our LS were okay, but didn't offer as much support as we would have liked. LT's leather seats seem more supportive, but there's still room for improvement.
The second row is quite comfortable. Headphone jacks (standard on LT, optional on LS) allow rear-seat passengers to listen to CDs while those up front turn on the radio. Sitting in the third row is surprisingly comfortable for an adult; slide your feet under the seat in front of you, and you can ride back there for fairly long distances. Getting back there requires folding and flipping the second-row seat out of the way.
Climbing into a Suburban is a challenge for some and running boards make getting in easier. Younger, taller people find it easy. Step-in height is actually lower than before because of the fully boxed frame introduced with the 2000 models.
The optional power-adjustable pedals can taxi in 3 inches closer, allowing shorter drivers to sit farther back from the steering wheel and farther away from the airbag, a good thing should it ever deploy. Also new for 2003 are dual-level airbags, which inflate with less force in less forceful collisions. Sensors in the front passenger seat and seat belts also measure the weight and size of the front-seat passenger and, if that passenger is child-size, shut the airbag down completely.
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Driving ImpressionRide quality in the Chevy Suburban 1500 is smooth, greatly improved over the previous-generation. The now-standard Premium Smooth Ride suspension features a hydraulically controlled rear self-leveling system to keep the Suburban at normal ride height, even when carrying heavy loads. We've found this system offers a good ride quality.
The more sophisticated optional Autoride suspension ($1120) uses computer-controlled shock damping for improved ride quality over uneven pavement. Whether towing a horse trailer or picking up a soccer team, Autoride continually adjusts the suspension for optimum ride and handling. This technology also helps reduce dive when braking (so that the nose of the vehicle doesn't dip down unduly), and body roll (or lean) during cornering.
Chevrolet Suburban offers excellent handling for a big, heavy truck. The steering is responsive and doesn't isolate the driver from the road. The Suburban grips the road surprisingly well for such a large vehicle. Driving quickly over wet pavement on mountain roads, we never lost traction. We drove into wet turns as quickly as we'd ever want to go in a Suburban and never lost grip. We were impressed. The entire front part of the frame is hydro-formed from one piece of metal, a setup that's much more rigid than a bunch of pieces of frame welded together.
Optional StabiliTrak electronic stability control ($750) offers improved control on uncertain surfaces. StabiliTrak measures where the driver is steering against where the truck is actually heading and, when necessary, reduces engine torque or selectively applies one or more wheel brakes to correct the Suburban's path. StabiliTrak is now offered on all Suburban 1500's, with two or four-wheel drive.
The 2500 models, often referred to as 3/4-ton versions, are only needed for towing heavy trailers. They are rated to tow up to 12,000 pounds, which tops even the Ford Excursion by half a ton. Suburban 2500 rides a bit harsher than the 1500 because its rear suspension uses leaf springs instead of the 1500's coil springs. But the 2500 rides surprisingly well, given its load range. It represents a big improvement over the previous-generation (pre-2000) 2500 models.
Quadrasteer electronic four-wheel steering ($4495) dramatically increases maneuverability by turning the rear wheels in the opposite direction from the front wheels. The turning diameter of Suburban is reduced from 44.5 feet to 35.2 feet with Quadrasteer. In practical terms, Quadrasteer can negotiate a U-turn where a standard Suburban would have to stop and back up. Quadrasteer makes it much easier to park in tight spaces, such as underground garages and crowded parking lots. Add a trailer and the benefits increase. Backing a trailer into a parking space at a 90 degree angle is much easier with Quadrasteer and backing up with a trailer is more intuitive. At high speeds, the system turns the wheels slightly in the same direction as the front wheels for smoother lane changes and enhanced stability. We have been noticing that vehicles equipped with Quadrasteer tend to have a rougher ride, probably due to the heavy-duty rear axle that comes with the system.
Brakes on all Suburbans work smoothly and progressively, providing stopping power without drama. A Dynamic Rear Proportioning system modulates the pressure applied to the rear brakes for more effective braking. The Suburban's braking system was completely redesigned for model-year 2000 and has been further refined for 2003 for better performance, improved pedal feel and quieter operation.
Cost is the main consideration on whether to get four-wheel drive. Those in the Sunbelt may not see justification for it. But even if you don't plan to go off road, four-wheel drive can keep you going through snow or over sandy, unpaved roads, or it can help pull a boat up a slippery boat ramp. If you don't get a 4WD model, consider ordering StabiliTrak for its traction-control feature.
Four-wheel-drive models.
SummaryChevrolet Suburban is a great vehicle for moving cargo, towing trailers, or hauling people. It's best when employed for all three of those things. The seats fold down for big cargo capacity. Get sleepy on a long trip and you can simply pull over and stretch out in back.
Model Lineup1500 LS 2WD ($36,305); 1500 LT 2WD ($39,615); 1500 LS 4WD ($39,105); 1500 LT 4WD ($42,415); 2500 LS 2WD ($37,905); 2500 LT 2WD ($41,215); 2500 LS 4WD ($40,805); 2500 LT 4WD ($44,115).
Assembled InJanesville, Wisconsin; Silao, Mexico.
Options As TestedTrailer Package ($285) includes trailer hitch platform, wire harness connector, transmission oil cooler; reclining bucket seats ($1035) includes six-way power adjustment and center console; locking rear differential ($295); off-road skid plate package ($275).
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