Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at Children's Hospital Los Angeles is tailored for individuals aspiring to pursue a career in academic pediatric infectious diseases or public health. This comprehensive, three-year program is structured to provide fellows with advanced clinical training and extensive research exposure, preparing them for impactful roles in the field.

Fellows at CHLA have the unique advantage of developing cutting-edge clinical expertise in one of the nation's leading pediatric tertiary care hospitals. The institution serves a diverse pediatric population, offering a rich tapestry of learning opportunities in various settings, including the Los Angeles Department of Public Health and a highly regarded Clinical Microbiology Lab1.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship incorporates 12 months of intensive clinical responsibilities, allowing fellows to cultivate their skills in managing pediatric infectious diseases. This experience includes inpatient consultations and outpatient clinic rotations, where fellows interact closely with various specialties such as PICU, CTICU, NICU, and oncology. The program also ensures exposure to common pediatric infections, regional, and travel-related diseases, thereby enhancing fellows' well-rounded clinical acumen1.

Research Opportunities

Candidates are provided with a plethora of research opportunities across basic science, clinical, and translational fields, with access to NIH-funded projects and collaboration with academic peers. The program emphasizes mentorship and guidance, connecting fellows with suitable research mentors early in their training. During the first year, designated time is allocated for refining research interests, with fellows encouraged to seek grant funding, although the fellowship itself is fully funded, alleviating financial pressures during the training period1.

Fellowship Structure

The fellowship is divided into a clinical year, followed by two years focused on research. The latter years allow for a reduced clinical schedule, enabling fellows to deeply engage with their scholarly projects while also undertaking quality improvement initiatives and participating in hospital committees for broader leadership experience1.

Teaching Experience

Fellows benefit from robust didactic learning opportunities that include regular lectures, microbiology lab sessions, and clinical case conferences. Additionally, participation in a core curriculum and opportunities to teach residents and medical students help fellows refine their teaching methods and strengthen academic skills1.

Program Details

This ACGME-accredited program offers one fellowship position per year, lasting 36 months total, entailing 12 months of clinical training followed by 24 months of research. While U.S. citizenship is not a requirement, visa sponsorship is available, making the program accessible to international applicants. The fellowship provides competitive salary packages and comprehensive benefits, including health and dental insurance, vacation time, and educational stipends1.

Competitive Application Process

The application process is competitive, and applicants need to complete three years of residency training prior to applying. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to pediatric infectious diseases through relevant experiences and research interests, with no specific restrictions regarding the year of graduation or maximum STEP exam failures outlined in the program's criteria1.

Fellow Success Stories

Current and former fellows reflect a diverse array of backgrounds and research interests, illustrating the program's success in training leaders in pediatric infectious diseases. For instance, fellows have explored topics ranging from pediatric Long COVID to antimicrobial stewardship and have received notable awards and funding to further their research endeavors. Transitioning into faculty roles after completion of the fellowship showcases the program's efficacy in facilitating career advancement in the field.2