Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is a renowned three-year training program designed to equip fellows with advanced skills in pediatric critical care. Established in 1997, the fellowship program is located at a facility that hosts a 24-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and a 24-bed Cardiothoracic Intensive Care Unit (CTICU), which jointly admit over 2,000 children annually. This rigorous program aligns with the general requirements set forth by the Subspecialty Committee of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine of the Board of Pediatrics and is fully accredited by the Residency Review Committee for Pediatrics as well as the ACGME.1

The program seeks to provide comprehensive training in various critical care modalities. Clinical coverage in both the PICU and CTICU allows fellows to engage in multidisciplinary care practices, enhancing both clinical and educational experiences. Trainees are well-prepared to understand crucial aspects of pediatric critical care, encompassing clinical management, ethical considerations, administrative responsibilities, and research methodologies. In addition, the curriculum includes a unique professionalism and leadership component that facilitates personal development and prepares fellows for future leadership roles in pediatric intensive care.1

Training Environment

The PICU integrates multiple medical disciplines, including pediatric surgery, anesthesiology, and critical care medicine. This collaborative environment not only caters to critical illness but also supports a large and active trauma service, demonstrating the program's commitment to comprehensive pediatric care. The fellows' training in the CTICU involves managing complex congenital heart diseases, enhancing their understanding of advanced medical interventions such as mechanical assist devices and cardiac anesthesia.1

Research Opportunities

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship emphasizes research as a vital component of the training program. Fellows have the opportunity to engage in both clinical and basic science research, facilitated by The Saban Research Institute and the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. Training opportunities also extend to research techniques and innovative procedures like flexible fiber optic bronchoscopy, anesthesia, and sedation. There are also elective rotations available, enabling fellows to tailor their educational experience to their professional interests.1

Application Process

Applications to the fellowship program must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application process requires a comprehensive set of documents, including a current CV, a personal statement, and three letters of recommendation—one of which must be from the candidate’s Residency Program Director. Additionally, candidates must provide a complete USMLE or COMLEX transcript and the Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE). The program is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 academic year, with a suggested deadline of August 31. The program interviews candidates in September and October.1

Program Details and Requirements

The fellowship details are as follows:

• Duration: Three years of postgraduate training.
• ACGME Accredited: Yes.
• Fellows per Year: 4-5.
• Application Deadline: August 31 for a July start date.
• U.S. Citizenship: Not required.

Eligibility also includes a requirement for candidates to commit to completing the full three-year fellowship.

Benefits

Fellows receive a competitive salary with minimum annual compensation increasing annually from approximately $84,074 in the first year to about $96,949 by the eighth year. Additional benefits encompass health and dental insurance, 14 paid vacation days along with six protected sick days, a yearly educational stipend, monthly meal stipends, and a housing stipend. Furthermore, fellows can participate in a 401(k) plan with matching up to 3%.1

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and is able to sponsor fellows on J-1 or H-1B visas. This accommodation allows for a diverse group of trainees from various backgrounds to participate in the fellowship program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is considered highly competitive, attracting candidates from various medical backgrounds including both DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and IMG (International Medical Graduate) applicants. This fosters a rich learning environment with diverse perspectives in pediatric critical care.1