Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Neurodevelopmental disabilitiesACGME Code:
1860518001Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the California Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (CA-LEND) Training Program is the only LEND program in California and one of the oldest LEND programs in the United States. Since 1966, the program has been dedicated to training leaders, educating community providers, conducting research, and promoting systems change for children with or at risk of Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (NDD), including Autism Spectrum Disorders.
The mission of the program is to create an interdisciplinary learning community where leaders in Maternal and Child Health prepare to serve children with or at risk for neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. This is accomplished through family-centered, culturally responsive, coordinated, comprehensive, and developmentally appropriate clinical care, teaching, research, and systems change 1.
Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Interdisciplinary Leadership
Each discipline involved in the CA-LEND program brings a unique and important perspective that is crucial for providing a comprehensive approach to complex problems faced by children with NDD. Interdisciplinary teams collaborate closely with families to improve health outcomes and development, conduct cutting-edge research, and advocate for improved systems of care 1.
Training Curriculum
The CA-LEND program comprises a comprehensive 32-week training course running from September through May, with most activities scheduled on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The curriculum is divided into seven modules that cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Genetic Disorders
- Neurological and Neuromotor Disabilities
- Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
- Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Intellectual and Learning Disabilities
- Chronic Illness and Special Health Care Needs
- Vision, Hearing, Speech and Language Disorders
Learning modalities within the program include seminars, clinical cases, small group exercises, presentation skill development, interdisciplinary team modeling, family-based experiences, policy and advocacy work, research methodology, self-reflective leadership training, and clinical exposure 1.
The training culminates in a Leadership Project in an area of interest, which is aimed at yielding a tangible policy, research, or community education product to complete the CA-LEND training. Trainees who receive a certificate of completion are expected to demonstrate competencies in several domains, including:
- Ethical and Professional Conduct
- Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities
- Interdisciplinary Team Building
- Health Care Systems and Communities
- Public Policy
- Critical Thinking
- Leadership
- Family Centered and Culturally Competent Care
- Communication, Teaching, and Mentoring
- Discipline Specific Skills
Program Details
The CA-LEND program is not ACGME accredited and accommodates 22-30 long-term fellows each year, engaging in approximately 300 hours of training. The program has a clear application timeline, which is detailed in the program brochure, and lasts for one year 1.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The CA-LEND program provides visa support for international applicants, offering sponsorship for the J-1 visa, which is commonly used for fellowship programs in the United States. This makes the program accessible to a wide range of international medical graduates (IMGs), contributing to a diverse training environment.
The competitiveness of the CA-LEND program is moderate, with a selection criterion emphasizing leadership potential, academic preparedness, and a solid commitment to improving the quality of life for children with NDD and special health care needs. While the program does not specifically advertise itself as DO or IMG friendly, its inclusive approach to training and focus on diversity suggests a welcoming environment for candidates from varied backgrounds.
Website
Director
Shafali S Jeste, MDProgram Director; Core Faculty Appointed Since May 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
10XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
J1, F1YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
