Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is dedicated to the advancement of pediatric emergency care through the development of skilled clinicians and leaders in the field. This program offers comprehensive training experiences and resources, which support the fellows' growth as educators, researchers, and scholars.1

The fellowship allows fellows to gain substantial clinical exposure within a busy urban Pediatric Emergency Department that handles approximately 100,000 patient visits annually, including around 900 trauma activations. The high clinical volume and acuity provide an exceptional learning environment, where fellows manage severe trauma cases, participate in medical resuscitations, and perform various emergency department procedures while also engaging in teaching opportunities.1

Clinical Training

Clinical training follows a graduated autonomy model. In the first three months, new fellows function as “super-residents,” gradually taking on more responsibilities as they progress through the program. This includes transitioning into precepting fellows who supervise and manage the education of resident learners. In the first two years, fellows work primarily day and evening shifts, mentored by Pediatric Emergency Medicine attendings, while third-year fellows may have the option to moonlight in the ED as full attendings.1

Elective rotations are available across various pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties, tailored to the individual interests of the fellow. All fellows are required to complete Adult Emergency Medicine training, achieved in collaboration with UCLA and LA General/USC Emergency Medicine.1

Didactic Education

The program provides protected didactic time every Wednesday, which includes division-wide and fellowship-specific education. Monthly division sessions cover case conferences, journal clubs, educational workshops, and research presentations. Additional fellowship-focused sessions emphasize board preparation, featuring didactic lectures, simulation training, and practical labs.1

The Graduate Medical Education department at CHLA offers a variety of educational sessions addressing topics such as burnout, wellness, and quality improvement. Additionally, fellows receive free tuition for selected classes and degree programs at the University of Southern California.1

Research Opportunities

Fellows are required to complete a scholarly research project during their training. This research should focus on clinical, administrative, or educational topics and is intended for presentation at national conferences and submission to peer-reviewed journals. Fellows are paired with research mentors and supported by research staff, which aids in study design, grant writing, and publication endeavors.1

Research staff, including undergraduate and medical students, assist fellows daily, empowering them to achieve academic goals. Faculty members bring diverse expertise, including ultrasound, medical education, trauma care, and health policy, providing an enriching academic environment.1

Application Process

Applications for the Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) as part of the Pediatric Specialties Match. The fellowship is ACGME accredited and allows 3-4 fellows per year, with a typical program duration of 3 years for Pediatrics and 2-3 years for Emergency Medicine.1

There are specific application deadlines, and competitive candidates typically have strong clinical backgrounds. Admissions consider whether candidates are Domestic or International Medical Graduates, and special requirements may apply regarding years since graduation or successful completion of board examinations.1

Visa Support

The Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellowship at CHLA supports visa applications and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for eligible international applicants.1

Compensation and Benefits

The fellowship provides competitive salaries based on postgraduate year, starting from a minimum of $84,073.60 for PGY-4 and increasing up to $96,948.80 by PGY-9. Additionally, benefits include health and dental insurance, paid vacation and sick leave, and stipends for education and meals.1