Piedmont Pulmonary/Critical Care APP Fellowship & Onboarding Program
Our mission is to train the next generation of physician assistants (PA) and nurse practitioners (NP) to operate at the highest level of their scope, excelling in medical knowledge, leadership, character, and teamwork. This program is designed to equip advanced practice providers (APPs) to deliver high-quality care in environments with high patient volumes, high acuity, and advanced procedural management, all while practicing at the top of scope. We offer a comprehensive learning experience that integrates clinical training, simulation (SIM) exercises, physician-led education, self-paced curriculum, and continuous coaching, feedback, and evaluations. Since 2013, our robust program has successfully trained over 115 APPs across the largest healthcare system in Georgia.
12-Month Program
Phase 1: Clinical Didactic Phase (proctored shifts)
- Consists of 6 block competencies
- 52 clinical hours with an educating provider per week
- Weekly assigned physician lectures
- Weekly office hours with the program director
- Monthly SIM lab (6 curriculum SIM sessions) and procedural training
Educational Courses:
- Difficult Airway Course (DAC)
- Fundamentals of Critical Care Course (FCCS)
- Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS)
Phase 2: Mentorship/Professional Development (independent shifts)
- Independent staffing with oversight from the lead APP, medical director, and fellowship program director
- Transition to independent market training
- Mentorship curriculum includes: palliative care communication, crucial conversations, radical candor/feedback, StrengthsFinder evaluation and training
- Airway Training Completion/Airway SIM
- Senior Fellowship Project
Program Highlights
Clinical Practice
- Independent critical care management in a tertiary care setting, with mentorship from seasoned APPs and physicians
- Multidisciplinary collaboration with transplant, thoracic surgery, and cardiovascular surgery teams
Simulation & Procedural Training
- High-fidelity simulation labs for airway management, cardiac arrest, and stress scenarios
- Hands-on procedures: central/arterial line placement, intubation, needle decompression, dialysis catheter insertion, and optional thoracentesis, lumbar puncture, and chest tube placement
Mentorship & Evaluations
- Structured feedback and one-on-one mentorship from APP leadership to strengthen clinical and decision-making skills
- Extended mentorship phase post-fellowship for a smooth transition to independent practice
Advanced Leadership & Education Opportunities
- Simulation Lab Leader: Lead simulations for APPs, nurses, and respiratory therapists
- ICU Education: Develop educational programs for hospital staff
- Pulmcast Contributor: Create podcasts, blogs, and other educational content
- Process Improvement: Collaborate with hospital leadership on workflow and care protocols
- Epic Optimization: Help refine documentation, protocols, and order set
- Hospital Liaison: Serve as a representative in interdepartmental collaborations
Program Structure
- ICU Preceptorship: 2 weeks (8 shifts) with an experienced APP at Piedmont Atlanta to master ICU operations.
- Pulmonary Rotation: 2 weeks (10-14 shifts) focused on pulmonary medicine fundamentals, documentation, and patient flow.
- Formal ICU Rotation: 8 weeks (30 shifts), progressing from day to night shifts, immersing fellows in critical care practice.
- Graduation & Transition: 3–4 night shifts shadowed by a senior APP to confirm competency before solo coverage at an assigned Piedmont hospital.
- Mentorship Phase: 6 months post-graduation, working alongside experienced APPs to refine skills and gain autonomy.
How to Apply
Our Pulmonary/Critical Care APP Fellowship offers rolling admissions to provide flexibility for motivated applicants.
Complete the interest form to begin the conversation (this is not a formal application).
Early applications are encouraged, and we highly recommend applicants complete a rotation or shadowing experience in our ICU to determine program fit.
Contact us
For more information, email Jessica Shelnutt at Jessica.shelnutt@piedmont.org.