Technical and Other Skills

The program has the environment and resources for the fellow to acquire knowledge of and competence in performing the following:

1. Pulmonary Function Tests: To assess respiratory mechanics, gas exchange, and respiratory drive, including spirometry, flow volume studies, lung volumes, diffusing capacity, arterial blood gas analysis, and exercise studies.
2. Hemodynamic Monitoring: Calibration and operation of hemodynamic recording systems.
3. Procedures: Diagnostic and Therapeutic procedures, including thoracentesis, pleural biopsy, flexible fiber-optic bronchoscopy, transbronchial biopsy, bronchoalveolar lavage endotracheal intubation percutaneous arterial puncture and cannulation, central venous catheterization, and pulmonary artery balloon flotation catheterization.
4. Ventilation and Weaning: Ventilatory support, weaning, and respiratory care techniques.
5. Tissue and Fluid Examination: Examination and interpretation of sputum, bronchopulmonary secretions, pleural fluid tissue, and lung tissue for infectious agents, cytology, and hisopathology.
6. Mechanical Ventilation: Pressure-cycled, volume-cycled, time-cycled and flow-cycled mechanical ventilation.
7. Respiratory Care: Use of reservoir masks and continuous positive airway pressure masks for delivery of supplemental oxygen, humidifiers, nebulizers, and incentive spirometry.
8. Sleep Laboratory: The sleep laboratory is located at the North Chicago VA Medical Center and is directed by board certified faculty.