I think you asked about Pulmonary/Critical Care in another post. From what I see, it's not too difficult a fellowship to match into except at the top programs (Critical Care is supposed to have a high burn-out rate) but man are those guys are complete studs -- the UberMedicine doctor. I know the top places for Pulm/CC are Univ. of Washington (Seattle) which is supposed to be #1, then U. Colorado in Denver (#2). I may have those reversed. We have a couple of people from my residency program who had the option of both, but one took UW and another is headed to Michigan with her spouse.
Since you asked about Pulm/CC, I presume you're asking about time to do research in IM residency, so I'll answer from this perspective. There is time. For example, where I train, our program is completely front loaded with the bulk of your call during and no electives during your intern year. So even thinking about research during your R1 year is kind of dumb in general, but particularly where I train. My philosophy is this -- don't hook up with a faculty member and organize a research project only to not be able to fulfill your end of the work because intern year is taking up too much time -- you'll delay the research and look irresponsible to the faculty member you're working with. So much for the good letter of recommendation.
Instead, start thinking about research at the end of your first year, coming up with concepts ideas, find a faculty member to work with, then start the actual stuff during your second year, when you'll realistically have some more time to work on it (more elective months, less call, that kind of thing). Plus your interns are doing all the time consuming crap anyway :wink:
Hope this helps.
