Interventional pulmonology (IP) is a rapidly evolving field, and the changes underway will likely significantly affect the careers of the next generation of IP fellows. As lung cancer screening expands and advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures become more integrated into clinical practice, the interventional pulmonologist's role will likely become more technologically sophisticated.

At the same time, advances in artificial intelligence-assisted imaging, robotic bronchoscopy and bronchoscopic therapeutics are expected to be accompanied by continued innovation in medical device development and clinical trial design. As these clinical tools, procedural platforms and multidisciplinary care models evolve, IP fellows will need to develop a unique and increasingly diverse set of skills to navigate the specialty's changing landscape.

Dr. Tarek Dammad, Director of the Pulmonary Division and Academic Interventional Pulmonology, recently shared key insights on these evolving opportunities and the career paths available to IP fellows.

Q: What are the potential career paths for an IP fellow post-fellowship?

A: The career options for IP fellows have broadened significantly compared to a decade ago. Academic medicine, private practice, research and innovation, medical technology development, hybrid models or industry are all options post-fellowship. After fellowship training, physicians typically pursue careers that combine advanced procedural skills with pulmonary medicine, critical care, thoracic oncology, research or academic leadership. The career path an interventional pulmonology fellow pursues depends greatly on their procedural interests and long-term career goals.

Q: Which procedural skills are likely to become essential for long-term relevance in IP over the next 10-15 years?

A: A lot can evolve in the next 10-15 years in the IP field in terms of innovation and more advanced platforms. The sub-areas of IP may also expand significantly. Emerging technologies such as robotic bronchoscopy, artificial intelligence-assisted navigation, advanced imaging and therapeutic bronchoscopy, particularly lung cancer bronchoscopic ablation and localized drug delivery, are likely to reshape the field. Important skills for an IP fellow will always include thorough, innovative training and knowledge of pulmonary medicine and procedural competency. However, technical skills must be complemented with multidisciplinary leadership, familiarity with emerging technologies and collaborations with peers, biomedical engineers and industry partners.

Q: How much of the future practice of IP fellows will involve advanced procedures versus general pulmonology and intensive care unit coverage?

A: As lung cancer screening programs grow, and more pulmonary nodules are identified, the demand for advanced procedures such as endobronchial ultrasound, navigational bronchoscopy, robotic bronchoscopy, pleuroscopy, advanced pleural interventions and airway stenting will expand. A shift towards technological innovation, outpatient-based care and multidisciplinary collaboration is also likely. Hence, for many IP fellows, the majority of the time will be spent on advanced diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. However, general pulmonary medicine and critical care are also likely to remain relevant for IP fellows.

For further information on bronchoscopy, lung cancer and Dr. Dammad’s work on this topic, please see the following references: