Pancreatic Cancer Prognosis and Survival Rates
Division Of Pulmonary, Critical Care And Sleep Medicine
Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy and Interventional Pulmonary Medicine
A modern bronchoscopy suite with fluoroscopy is available for ambulatory and inpatient bronchoscopic procedures.
Fellows have ample opportunities to develop skills in performing bronchoalveolar lavage, endobronchial and transbronchial lung biopsies in addition to endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) directed procedures using both linear and radial instruments in diagnostic evaluation and staging in patients with suspected intrathoracic malignancy.
Training in procedures such as PleurX catheter placement, talc pleurodesis, tracheal dilation, rigid bronchoscopy, thoracoscopy, endobronchial stenting, balloon bronchoplasty, argon photocoagulation (APC) and cryotherapy are performed when appropriate under the direction of board certified interventional pulmonology faculty. Percutaneous tracheostomies are performed at the bedside on patients with chronic respiratory failure under bronchoscopic guidance at both SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital and Mercy Hospital St. Louis.
In addition, fellows gain experience in a number of other invasive diagnostic and therapeutic techniques used in pulmonary medicine such as pleuroscopy, pleural biopsy and the placement and management of chest tubes.
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.
Pulmonary, Allergy And Critical Care Medicine
The UAB Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine is an integral part of one of the nation's largest health systems. Nationally known for our compassionate care, cutting-edge research, and comprehensive training programs, we're dedicated to delivering the most advanced care.
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