Division of  Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship Program

Research Training

Research training in the PCCM fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC is concentrated in the latter 18–30 months of the program. During this time, fellows design and carry out a focused research project with guidance from a mentor, participate in a grant-writing workshop, and submit an NRSA application. They are expected to present their findings at local and national meetings, and to publish at least one first-author manuscript.
Fellows also gain practical experience with regulatory processes, preparing and submitting protocols for the Institutional Review Board (IRB), Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC), and/or Investigational New Drug or Device (IND) applications. Required coursework covers core laboratory methods, responsible conduct of research, and essential academic survival skills. Building on this foundation, many fellows go on to produce additional publications and submit mentored career development awards (NIH K-series or equivalent).

Research Support

The Division conducts research across the spectrum of basic, translational, and clinical science in pulmonary and critical care medicine. Fellows receive up to three years of support through the Pulmonary Biology Training Grant (T32) and are encouraged to apply for individual NRSA (F32) awards and other funding opportunities, including through the Veterans Administration.

Mentorship

Effective mentorship is central to research training. Mentor selection begins with a first-year research retreat where fellows present their interests, meet potential mentors, and receive career guidance. This process helps each fellow identify the best project and mentorship fit.

Presentation & Scholarship

The weekly Research-in-Progress conference serves as the primary forum for fellows to present their work, practice scientific communication, and field questions from an expert audience. Fellows also present at national and international meetings, including the American Thoracic Society International Conference, and are encouraged to share their work at the Pittsburgh International Lung Conference and the Department of Medicine Research Day.

Coursework & Training

Fellows in the program receive structured research training through a combination of intensive courses, workshops, and advanced degree opportunities. The two-week Fundamentals of Bench Research course provides a comprehensive introduction to both core and emerging biomedical research methods. Monthly Grant-Writing Workshops offer peer- and faculty-led guidance on strategy, review, and critique, preparing fellows to successfully compete for career development awards and contributing to the program’s strong track record of grant success. The Academic Survival Skills Workshop offers interactive sessions on essential topics for academic careers, including mentorship, promotion, and collaborative team science. In addition, T32-supported fellows may pursue formal advanced training through the Institute for Clinical Research Education, the Graduate School of Public Health, or business programs at Pitt or Carnegie Mellon, earning certificates, master’s, or doctoral degrees tailored to their research and career goals.

Evaluation and Transition to Independence

Progress is reviewed formally every six months by the Division Chief, Fellowship Research Committee, and mentors, ensuring fellows remain on track to achieve their goals. These reviews also serve as opportunities for career planning, helping fellows refine their academic trajectory and prepare for long-term success. Fellows preparing for independence also benefit from Division-led “K-to-R” workshops, designed to strengthen NIH grant applications and ensure a smooth path toward academic success.

For more information, please contact: 

Brittany Manning
Fellowship Coordinator
412-648-3098
manningb2@upmc.edu