Integrating novel interventional techniques into pediatric pulmonology training.

Abstract

To review the evolution of pediatric pulmonology interventions and propose strategies for advancing training in the field. I examined the historical development of pediatric pulmonology interventions and current training practices, including hands-on courses and fellowship programs. I reviewed a survey of US pediatric pulmonology centers to assess variability in procedural expertise. Historically, foreign body removal dominated pediatric pulmonology interventions. Advancements in technology have expanded the field to include techniques such as endobronchial and transbronchial biopsies, airway lumen restoration, and cryotherapy, enabling more accurate tissue sampling with larger specimens while maintaining safety. Hands-on courses, offered globally and at major conferences, provide opportunities for skill development, self-assessment, and networking. However, limited availability leads to high demand and long waiting lists. A survey of US pediatric pulmonology centers revealed significant variability in procedural expertise, highlighting the need for uniform training across institutions. To better integrate interventional techniques, I propose that pediatric pulmonology training could benefit from a structured, tiered approach: (1) expanding hands-on workshops and incorporating them into fellowship programs, (2) facilitating collaborations between centers of excellence to allow trainees to rotate through institutions with advanced expertise, and (3) developing an additional year of training for an "Advanced Pediatric Pulmonologist" certification. This approach aims to ensure proficiency in the latest interventional techniques, standardize care, and foster advancements across the field.