Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

The Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles offers a one-year immersive clinical experience focused on outpatient and inpatient pediatric dermatology. The program's unique environment is bolstered by a robust clinical experience facilitated by a faculty comprising three full-time pediatric dermatologists alongside a pediatric nurse practitioner. Serving as a tertiary care referral center, the Children's Hospital Los Angeles is academically affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, allowing fellows to benefit from a multidisciplinary approach to pediatric care.

Each year, the division manages approximately 7500 outpatient visits and around 250 inpatient consultations, providing comprehensive exposure to a diverse array of pediatric dermatologic conditions. The program prides itself on offering a rich learning environment where fellows work closely with dedicated faculty committed to education and mentorship.

Clinical Exposure and Training Opportunities

The fellowship is designed to provide extensive training through various clinical experiences, ensuring fellows are well-versed in common as well as complex and rare pediatric dermatologic conditions. This exposure is critical as it reflects the breadth and depth of cases encountered during daily clinic hours and inpatient consultations. Furthermore, the Children's Hospital Los Angeles's extensive specialty programs enhance the fellows' experience with multi-disciplinary care.

Fellows participate in surgical and laser clinics, including cases requiring both local and general anesthesia. They also engage in a tri-monthly multi-disciplinary vascular anomalies clinic and focus on dermatologic conditions specific to skin of color. Unique to this program is dedicated time for research and academic work, crucial for those wishing to advance in the field of pediatric dermatology.

Educational Structure

The fellowship's educational offerings include a dedicated continuity clinic, providing fellows with ongoing patient interaction and management experience. They gain hands-on experience with skin scrapes, swabs, and specimen collection techniques including KOH preparations, cultures, and hair mounts. Moreover, fellows have ample opportunities for teaching pediatric and dermatology residents as well as medical students, enhancing their pedagogic skills and reinforcing their knowledge.

Application Process and Requirements

The Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is part of the San Francisco Match program and is open exclusively to U.S. and Canadian residents. Applicants are required to register for the official match process, with the specific program ID listed as 5228. The application materials must include a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and a current Curriculum Vitae (CV), which should be submitted by the deadline of September 1, 2024.

Interviews for selected candidates will take place on October 1, 2024. Prospective fellows must be board-eligible or board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology before starting the fellowship. Additionally, international medical graduates are required to possess ECFMG certification.

Fellowship Benefits

Compensation and benefits for fellows include health and dental insurance, a total of 14 days of paid vacation plus six personal days, and an annual educational stipend. Given the competitive nature of this fellowship, it is essential for applicants to be aware of its prerequisites, including the necessity for U.S. citizenship and board eligibility or certification in Dermatology.

Fellowship Outcomes

Graduates of the Pediatric Dermatology Fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles are well-prepared to pursue careers in various settings—academic, community, or private practice. The program is committed to supporting the future aspirations of its fellows, assisting them in attaining their individual career goals.