Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Program

The Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai is a prestigious and ACGME-accredited 12-month program designed to provide fellows with advanced training in all aspects of obstetric anesthesiology. This comprehensive training includes clinical management, administration, and research, particularly focused on both normal and high-risk obstetric patients. The fellowship aims to produce skilled consultants capable of delivering analgesia and anesthesia to patients facing obstetric challenges.

In addition to acquiring clinical skills, fellows will engage in a curriculum that emphasizes leadership and committee management to prepare them for future roles in obstetric anesthesiology services. This multifaceted training ensures fellows are well-equipped to handle complex obstetric cases immediately upon completion of the program.

Training & Curriculum

The curriculum is structured into various components to maximize the fellows' learning experiences. Over the 12-month period, fellows spend considerable time in labor and delivery, a neonatal intensive care unit, and engage in research activities, as well as maternal-fetal medicine. Specifically, the fellowship consists of eight months dedicated to labor and delivery, half a month in the neonatal intensive care unit, three months of research, and half a month in maternal-fetal medicine.

This robust clinical exposure allows fellows to gain first-hand experience in handling a variety of scenarios affecting peripartum care. They are trained in techniques for inducing general and regional anesthesia and managing complications, solidifying their understanding of the physiological changes during pregnancy and the appropriate anesthetic implications.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship, with three months explicitly reserved for scholarly activities. Fellows are expected to undertake a yearlong research project related to obstetric anesthesiology, fostering a spirit of inquiry and continuous learning. The program provides supportive infrastructure, including seminars focused on research methodology, statistical analysis, and paper writing.

Fellows are encouraged to present their research findings at national conferences, such as those organized by the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP), fostering both professional development and networking opportunities.

Application Information

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must participate in the SF Match process, which occurs annually from January to April. It involves a detailed application process, including submission of a curriculum vitae, letters of recommendation, and other relevant documentation. Selected candidates undergo interviews conducted between March and May.

Applicants must possess a valid and unrestricted medical license to practice in California prior to the start of the fellowship. Furthermore, it is important that candidates ensure they meet all eligibility criteria for the match.

Visa Support

The program offers support for international medical graduates, sponsoring visas such as the J-1 visa, which is typically used for fellowship and residency training in the United States. This support is crucial in attracting a diverse group of fellows from various backgrounds.

Facilities & Resources

Fellows have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Department of Anesthesiology library and the Women's Guild Simulation Center, which features advanced human patient simulators. This immersive environment enhances clinical skills and promotes teamwork, critical for effective patient care during obstetric procedures.

The program also covers membership fees for professional organizations, further enriching the learning experience by facilitating access to a network of professionals in obstetric anesthesiology.

Student Life

The fellowship promotes a supportive and collaborative environment among fellows, faculty, and other medical professionals. In addition to rigorous academic training, fellows enjoy various recreational opportunities in Southern California, from exploring local parks and beaches to attending cultural events.

Furthermore, the fellowship environment is described as collegial and engaging, with a strong emphasis on mentoring and professional development by experienced faculty members.

Competitiveness and Eligibility

The Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship at Cedars-Sinai is highly competitive, attracting applicants from various prestigious institutions across the country. Candidates should demonstrate strong clinical performance and a commitment to obstetric anesthesiology through their previous training.

Past fellows have moved into esteemed positions upon completion of their fellowship, highlighting the program's strong reputation within the field of anesthesiology.