Section 4: Conferences and Lecture Series

Pulmonary Evidence-Based Medicine Conference

Time: 07:30–08:00 (Monday)

During this conference, the fellow on the inpatient consultation service presents a patient case (inpatient or outpatient), along with a specific clinical question. The fellow then offers an evidence-based answer following the PICO format. The environment is collegial yet intellectually challenging; faculty will question fellows to assess their medical knowledge and clinical reasoning. All available fellows and faculty are expected to attend and participate.

Pulmonary Tumor Board

Time: 11:00–12:00 (Wednesday)

This weekly multidisciplinary thoracic tumor board meets in the Hematology-Oncology conference room on the 2nd floor of Building 3. Pre- and post-treatment thoracic cancer cases are presented, with input from thoracic surgery, medical oncology, radiation oncology, pathology, radiology, and pulmonary. Cases must be submitted by the prior Friday for inclusion in the weekly email thread, initiated by the thoracic surgery secretary. Attendance is expected of all fellows and staff members.

Fellow–Program Director Meeting

Time: 12:30–13:00 (1st Wednesday of each month)

The program director uses this monthly meeting to address administrative matters and to provide an opportunity for fellows to discuss any issues or concerns regarding the fellowship program.

Pulmonary Journal Club

Time: 12:30–13:00 (2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month)

Convening twice monthly, the inpatient consult fellow selects two articles from the pulmonary or critical care literature (with input from division members). The goal is to enhance critical appraisal skills in both basic science and clinical research. Each session typically covers one article relevant to pulmonary medicine and another to critical care. Once a month, the critical care article is replaced by a sleep medicine topic, and quarterly, an article addressing healthcare disparities in pulmonary or critical care is also included.

Pulmonary Research Conference

Time: 12:30–13:00 (3rd Wednesday of each month)

This conference highlights the current research efforts of both faculty and fellows, supplemented by relevant didactic lectures. Presentations may include updates on research progress, literature-based proposals, formal protocols, and finalized research findings. Fellows are expected to present ongoing projects, particularly those intended for publication or for external conference presentations.

Pulmonary and Critical Care Core Lecture Series

Time: 13:30–14:30 (Wednesday)

A 52-week lecture series addressing ACGME requirements, covering fundamental pulmonary physiology, pathophysiology, and disease. These lectures are prepared by staff and fellows, occasionally featuring guest speakers. Fellows are expected to thoroughly research their assigned topics in preparation.

Pulmonary Radiology Rounds

Time: 14:30–15:30 (Wednesday)

Held weekly in the pulmonary conference room, interesting inpatient and outpatient radiology cases are discussed. Faculty and fellows review imaging findings and correlate them with clinical data. While the format is collegial, fellows should anticipate detailed, challenging questions from faculty regarding image interpretation.

Pulmonary Faculty to Fellow Sessions

Time: 07:30–08:00 (Tuesday)

Faculty present various educational content, including notable cases, research papers, board review questions, and faculty-selected topics to broaden fellows’ expertise. The current consult attending and junior staff typically present a case or topic of their choice.

Combined Pulmonary/Critical Care Morbidity and Mortality Conferences

Time: 07:00–08:00 (4th Thursday of each month)

These conferences examine cases presenting notable opportunities for quality improvement. The Pulmonary Consult and ICU fellows lead the M&M discussions. Attendance is mandatory for all on-site attendings and fellows.

Pulmonary Clinical Case Conference

Time: 07:30–08:00 (Friday)

The fellow from the inpatient consultation service presents a recent case (inpatient or outpatient) for a faculty-led discussion. The environment is respectful but will include challenging faculty questions to assess the fellow’s clinical reasoning. All available fellows and faculty are encouraged to attend and engage.

Critical Care Faculty to Fellow Sessions

Scheduling: Flexible (Weekly)

ICU faculty hold one-on-one discussions with the ICU fellow (when no other trainees are available), at least once weekly. Each session should last about an hour and focus on interactive discussion rather than formal slide presentations. Topics become progressively more complex as the year advances, and completion must be documented.

UCSD Pulmonary Physiology Lecture Series

This online lecture series by Dr. John West explores both basic science and clinical topics relevant to pulmonary and critical care medicine. It is divided into two sections—respiratory physiology and pulmonary pathophysiology—mirroring the chapters of Dr. West’s textbooks. Although the textbooks are not required, fellows are encouraged to consider purchasing them for supplementary reading.

During the first six months of fellowship, all pulmonary and critical care fellows should view and study both sections (1 and 2). The content is available via:

• Direct link: http://meded.ucsd.edu/ifp/jwest
• YouTube (Part 1): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE69608EC343F5691
• YouTube (Part 2): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3854F2389B08EF7E

ICU Core Lecture Series

Time: 10:30–11:15 (Monday–Thursday)

Delivered by the ICU fellow or attending to interns and residents, this lecture series covers essential ICU topics, such as mechanical ventilation, renal failure, nutrition in critically ill patients, and managing bleeding complications. Once a week, a simulation-based session is held in the simulation center (covering simulated patient scenarios or procedures). The ICU fellow and attending must coordinate lecture assignments in advance to allow adequate preparation time.

Internal Medicine Noon Conference

Time: 12:00–13:00 (Monday–Friday)

Located in the Nutrition Conference Room on the 3rd floor of Building 1, the noon conference features internal medicine case discussions. Pulmonary staff and fellows are strongly encouraged to attend and contribute. After the morning report, a 30-minute subspecialty lecture (“second half”) follows—topics often include pulmonary medicine. The Internal Medicine team sets the schedule, and the consult fellow prepares these lectures (with attending approval at least one week prior).

Internal Medicine Morbidity and Mortality Conferences

Held at least monthly, these conferences feature a resident-led case presentation, a pathology correlation, and staff discussion. Pulmonary/Critical Care fellows frequently contribute subspecialty perspectives and case reviews when assigned.

Research Methods Training Program (CID)

Offered by the Clinical Investigations Department, this comprehensive eight-week course is available twice a year and provides an overview of research principles and resources at NMCSD. Topics include:

• Introduction to Clinical Research & Research Funding
• Critically Evaluating Scientific Data
• Ethics & Human Rights in Human-Subjects Research
• Responsible Conduct of Research
• Conducting a Scientific Literature Review
• Role of Biostatistics in Research
• Protocol Development, HIPAA Privacy Rule Requirements
• Writing, Illustrating & Publishing Scientific Research

This course reinforces core research skills—protocol development, ethics, literature review, biostatistical analysis, and manuscript preparation.

Advanced Life Support

A two-day American Red Cross (ARC) course for professionals who may manage adults in cardiac arrest. It includes lectures, practical skills stations, and interactive sessions on ALS knowledge and techniques.

Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ALS) Instructor Course

An ARC course designed for ALS providers who show strong aptitude and wish to teach ALS skills. The 24-hour curriculum features both classroom instruction and hands-on practical sessions. Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate.

Advanced Trauma Life Support

A two-and-a-half-day course emphasizing advanced trauma care. It includes lectures, skill stations, surgical labs, and both practical and written exams. Certification is valid for four years.

Fundamental Disaster Management

A Society of Critical Care Medicine course teaching the core skills needed for mass casualty response in critically ill patients. While optional, fellows are encouraged to complete this course and attain instructor status before graduating.

Fundamentals of Critical Care

Another Society of Critical Care Medicine course focusing on key principles of critical care. Organized multiple times yearly by Staff Education and Training, it is essential for pulmonary/critical care fellows early in their training. Fellows then assist in teaching subsequent courses to fulfill instructor requirements by fellowship completion.

NMCSD PCCM Fellow Bootcamp: July 1–11, 2025

We are excited to announce the launch of the NMCSD Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) Fellow Bootcamp, a two-week introductory experience for our incoming fellows. This intensive bootcamp will serve as a foundation for the transition from residency to fellowship, equipping new fellows with the essential skills and knowledge to thrive in the year ahead.

During this immersive period, fellows will participate in a blend of focused didactic sessions, hands-on procedural simulations, historical journal reviews, and interactive workshops. Core topics will include effective team leadership, presentation skills, point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), the fundamentals of bronchoscopy and pleural procedures, interpretation of pulmonary function tests (PFTs) and cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET), as well as best practices for consent, end-of-life discussions, and academic presentations.

The bootcamp will also address the critical transition from resident to fellow, including expectations for clinical autonomy, academic growth, and professional development. While the full curriculum is still being finalized, our goal is to ensure every new fellow feels prepared and confident as he or she begins this next phase of training at NMCSD.

UCSD/NMSCD Introduction to Pleural and Bronchoscopy Hands-on Courses

UCSD and NMCSD collaborate to offer hands-on pleural and bronchoscopy courses each September (dates vary), coordinated by Interventional Pulmonary Faculty. These mandatory, full-day sessions take place at the Center for Future Surgery (UCSD, La Jolla) and are free for first-year fellows. Fellows must review pre-course materials in advance.

Southern California First-year Fellow EBUS Course

Annual March event at the Center for Future Surgery, co-hosted by NMCSD and UCSD. Mandatory for first-year PCCM fellows, with flexibility for second-years if scheduling conflicts arise. Provides comprehensive EBUS-TBNA training through pre-course online modules and a full day of lectures, simulation, and hands-on skill stations. Fellows rotate through small groups with expert faculty guidance, covering mediastinal anatomy, staging, equipment setup, cytology evaluation, and advanced techniques.

Southern California Fellow’s Robotic Bronchoscopy Course

Annual spring course rotating among regional academic centers, including UCSD’s Center for the Future of Surgery. Features expert lectures on technology, safety, and imaging, followed by hands-on stations with faculty instruction. Open to pulmonary/critical care and thoracic surgery fellows. Host institution rotates every 2-3 years. Strongly encouraged for fellows interested in advanced diagnostic bronchoscopy. Registration required.

Southern California Critical Care Ultrasound Course

Two-day October course rotating among institutions, designed for critical care fellows and faculty. Covers advanced cardiac, pulmonary, and procedural ultrasound through expert-led lectures, skill stations, and case reviews. Registration includes course materials, food, and parking. Strongly encouraged for first-year fellows. Pre-course materials review expected.