Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Clinical Informatics Fellowship Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center aims to cultivate leaders in the field of Clinical Informatics through comprehensive training and exposure to a multitude of informatics practices. This ACGME-accredited two-year fellowship prepares physicians to become board eligible or board certified in Clinical Informatics by engaging them in diverse rotations and hands-on experiences.

The program is open to residency graduates from any specialty, ensuring a multidisciplinary approach to informatics. Fellows will engage in rotations across the extensive Cedars-Sinai Health System (CSHS), which includes three acute care hospitals, one acute rehabilitation hospital, and various outpatient practice settings. Exposure to over 15 clinician informaticists, including several who are board-certified in Clinical Informatics, enhances the educational experience and facilitates diverse learning opportunities.

Training and Curriculum

The curriculum encompasses various aspects of clinical informatics, such as workflow analysis, design and optimization, electronic health record (EHR) implementation, and clinical decision support. Didactic lectures are part of the training, ensuring thorough preparation for the Clinical Informatics board certification examination. Fellows receive protected time for clinical practice to retain their clinical expertise and become familiar with CSHS workflows and personnel. This setup allows for integration of clinical perspectives in informatics projects, which is imperative for effective informatics leadership.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows will benefit from research informatics rotations and the chance to collaborate with recognized investigators within the Cedars-Sinai community. The program facilitates access to data from a large patient population, enabling research and scholarship in various aspects of clinical informatics. This includes opportunities to enroll in UCLA’s Master of Science in Clinical Research Program and to apply for the NIH’s Clinical Loan Repayment Program, which supports fellows pursuing research.2

Application Information

Applicants are required to submit a curriculum vitae (CV), personal statement, medical school transcript, three letters of recommendation, and a Dean’s letter via ERAS. The program is competitive, typically offering one fellowship position each year and interviewing around ten candidates, thus making it a highly sought-after opportunity. While prior computer science training is not mandated, candidates must demonstrate a strong aptitude for Clinical Informatics and successful involvement in informatics projects to strengthen their applications.3

Visa Support

The program supports International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and has provisions for sponsoring visas for eligible candidates. This inclusiveness highlights the program's commitment to diversity within its fellowship cohort and acknowledges the value of varied international perspectives in the field of clinical informatics.

Special Attributes

Unique features of the program include opportunities to participate in entrepreneurial projects with startups through the Cedars-Sinai Healthcare Accelerator and experiential training in governance and facilitating practices that align information technology efforts with the organizational objectives. Fellows will also have access to programs that promote quality improvement within healthcare settings, further enriching their learning experience.

Faculty and Mentorship

The fellowship enjoys the guidance of distinguished faculty, many of whom are prominent figures in the healthcare Informatics arena. These faculty members not only provide instruction but also mentor fellows, guiding them through their professional development and helping shape their careers in Clinical Informatics. The collaborative environment fosters strong relationships among fellows, faculty, and healthcare leadership across specialties and disciplines.4