Pulmonary Disease
Pulmonologists, or chest physicians as they are sometimes called, diagnose and treat diseases of the respiratory system. A critical care physician diagnoses, treats and supports patients with multiple organ dysfunction. This specialist may have administrative responsibilities for intensive care units and may also facilitate and coordinate patient care among the primary physician, the critical care staff, and other specialists.
Training in critical care is integrated into most three year pulmonary medicine fellowship programs.
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Key Facts
Core Focus: Lung conditions and respiratory failure
Number of Physicians: Moderate (~10,000)
Training Length: 3 years internal medicine + 2–3 years fellowship
Subspecialties: Often combined with critical care
Job Progression: ICU director, pulmonary rehab, research
Gender Distribution: 30% female, 70% male
Job Outlook: Growing
Work Environment: Hospitals, ICUs, pulmonary clinics
Patient Relationship: Short to long-term (ICU and chronic care)
Schedule: Inpatient and outpatient mix, on-call duties
Common Procedures: Bronchoscopy, ventilator management
Residency Length: 6 years
Fellowship Required: Yes
Average Annual Income: ~$402,000 - $426,000
Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 55%
Match Competitiveness: High
Common Work Settings: ICUs, hospitals, pulmonary clinics
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Pulmonary Disease Top Values
- Decision making
- Taking care of people
- Variety
- Working with my mind
Pulmonary Disease Do Not Value
- Feedback from others
- Independence
- Prestige
- Security
- Sufficient time off
- Working with my hands
🧠 Pulmonary Disease Personality Traits
- Ask why
- Pay attention to details
- Like complex problem solving
- Be objective
- Become bored with repetitive activity
- Be 'doers' rather than talkers
- Enjoy taking care of people
- Act decisively
- Have manual dexterity
- Have mechanical aptitude
🔗 Links
- The American College of Chest Physicians
- The American Thoracic Society
- Society of Critical Care Medicine
- SDN Critical Care Forum
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