Pulmonary research is a primary focus of the division, and fellows have protected time dedicated to scholarly activity.  Flexibility is an important aspect of the fellowship research program.  We support a wide variety of scholarly activity in both our clinician educator and physician scientist tracks.  All fellows, regardless of training pathway, receive at least 6 months of protected time for research over the course of their fellowship, and up to 12 months of research time can be provided based on merits of the project and availability of funding. The Division shares a T32 training grant and a Rare Lung Disease Fellowship with Pulmonary Biology at Cincinnati Children’s, both of which are available to fellows.

Here at UC, we are internationally renowned for work in Rare Lung Disease and ample research opportunities are available for fellows in this field.  We have basic science, translational and clinical research opportunities available for fellow participation.

Some highlights include:

• Novel methods of inhibiting pandemic influenza

• Clinical and molecular studies of lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM), pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) and pulmonary alveolar microlithiasis (PAM).

• Observational studies for a variety of cystic lung diseases

• Animal models of pulmonary fibrosis and rare lung diseases

• Molecular biology research in structure and function of adrenergic receptors in asthma

• Effects of cigarette smoke exposure on innate and adaptive immune system function

• Federally funded and pharmaceutical trials in interventional pulmonary medicine, pulmonary hypertension, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung disease, rare lung disease, obstructive lung disease and critical care

At our CF Foundation-accredited Adult CF Center, we have multiple ongoing quality improvement and clinical research projects.  One current project incorporates a shared decision-making tool that incorporates patient values into clinical decisions.

As a member of the Ohio consortium for the Prevention and Early Treatment of Acute Lung Injury (PETAL) we have opportunities for clinical research in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS).  This group is funded by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and seeks to build on the landmark studies of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Clinical Trial Network (ARDSnet) that have changed our approach to ventilator and fluid management in the MICU.

Fellows are provided with dedicated training and research opportunities in Quality Improvement (QI), led by Anderson Center Quality Scholar, Dr. Ahsan Zafar.  Fellows can choose to pursue large or small projects designed to improve healthcare delivery systems and patient outcomes.

All fellows who present original work at national meetings are funded for travel, lodging and registration by the division.  We have a dedicated research committee that meets with fellows on a regular basis to support their pursuits.

The combination of diverse research opportunities and ample divisional support make UC an ideal environment for young pulmonary investigators to flourish.  The expectation that all fellows will conduct meaningful scholarly activity with a product, such as a publication, a durable training curriculum or QI platform, or a grant application, enriches both the trainee and the Division, and becomes a major source of pride for both parties.