Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

The Pediatric Hospital Medicine (PHM) Fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) is a distinguished, ACGME-accredited program designed to advance the training of pediatricians in the acute care of hospitalized children. As one of the oldest PHM fellowships in the nation, the program emphasizes a comprehensive approach to both clinical and academic pediatric hospital medicine, tailoring educational experiences to meet individual fellows' career aspirations.

Training primarily occurs at CHLA’s main campus, a 495-bed quaternary care facility recognized as a top 10 children’s hospital in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report. The Division of Hospital Medicine hosts around 30,000 patient encounters annually, providing extensive opportunities for hands-on learning in a high-volume, diverse clinical setting.

Mission Statement

The PHM Fellowship aims to cultivate experts in pediatric hospital care who are equipped to:

• Deliver exceptional, personalized, and culturally competent care to children facing acute and chronic complex medical issues.
• Enhance the quality and safety of healthcare systems and advocate for pediatric patients.
• Educate future pediatricians and advance the field of Pediatric Hospital Medicine through research and scholarly activities.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship comprises three main curricular components: Core Clinical Rotations, Systems and Scholarship, and Individualized Curriculum, structured as follows:

1. Core Clinical Rotations (16 weeks per year)

• Inpatient teaching/resident service
• Co-management of medical and surgical cases
• Night shifts
• Palliative care rotation
• Stabilization of the Acutely Ill Child rotation (including experience in the PICU)
• Newborn and community hospital medicine

2. Systems and Scholarship (16 weeks per year)

• Institutional core curriculum covering Medical Education, Health Systems, Quality Improvement, and Leadership.
• Quarterly simulation workshops and annual procedure workshops.
• Participation in journal clubs and national conferences dedicated to pediatric hospital medicine.

3. Individualized Curriculum (16 weeks per year)

Fellows have the opportunity to select clinical and non-clinical electives tailored to their interests, including areas such as Child Abuse, Transport Medicine, and Advanced Medical Education. They may also pursue graduate classes at the University of Southern California in various related fields.

Mentorship and Networking

The fellowship boasts a robust mentoring framework, pairing fellows with local and national leaders in pediatric hospital medicine. This network offers extensive support regarding research, career development, and wellness.

Benefits and Compensation

Fellows receive competitive salaries starting from a minimum of $78,531 for Post Graduate Year 4, increasing yearly. Comprehensive benefits include health and dental insurance, a 401(k) plan with a 3% match, housing stipends, and CME funding for educational activities. Additional perks include 14 days of paid vacation and 6 protected sick days annually.

Application Process

The program participates in ERAS with specific application requirements such as a completed application, a CV, three letters of recommendation (one from a program director or clinical supervisor preferred), a statement of interest, and a current photo.

Visa Sponsorship

The PHM Fellowship at CHLA offers visa support for qualified applicants. The program is able to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visa types, aiding international graduates seeking advanced training in pediatric hospital medicine.

Competitiveness and Inclusivity

While the fellowship is highly competitive, it is also considered welcoming to those from diverse medical backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, making it an inclusive opportunity for various trainees aiming to hone their skills in pediatric care.