Children's Hospital Los Angeles Program

Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship Training

The program offers a comprehensive three-year fellowship in Pediatric Pulmonology that includes 15.5 months of clinical training and 17.5 months dedicated to research. The structure is designed to provide immersive clinical training primarily in the first year, transitioning to increased research responsibilities in subsequent years. This format encourages fellows to gain a thorough understanding of the subspecialty, interact with faculty, and ultimately select a mentor and research project that aligns with their interests.

The clinical cases fellows encounter range from basic conditions such as asthma to complex conditions, including cystic fibrosis and neuromuscular respiratory weakness. Throughout the program, an emphasis is placed on developing procedural skills, particularly in bronchoscopy during the latter years of fellowship.

Clinical Training Structure

The fellowship comprises a detailed training regimen throughout the three years:

First Year

• Clinical: 7 months (4.5 months Inpatient, 1.5 months Bronchoscopy/Lab)
• Research: 4 months
• Vacation: 1 month

Second Year

• Clinical: 4.5 months (1.5 months Inpatient, 2.5 months Bronchoscopy/Lab)
• Research: 6.5 months
• Vacation: 1 month

Third Year

• Clinical: 4 months (1 month Inpatient, 2.5 months Bronchoscopy/Lab)
• Research: 7 months
• Vacation: 1 month

This structure ensures a balanced exposure to the clinical aspects of Pediatric Pulmonology while allowing ample time for research and academic development.

Inpatient and Outpatient Services

The fellowship provides significant clinical exposure, with an average inpatient service of about 25 patients daily. Given its unique position as the only Pediatric Pulmonology program in central Los Angeles, fellows experience a variety of respiratory disorders, including management of chronic conditions in an outpatient setting.

In the outpatient rotation, fellows participate in a Pulmonary Clinic under the supervision of experienced attending pulmonologists. This allows them to see a wide variety of cases, thereby enhancing their clinical knowledge and management skills.

Research and Scholarship Skills

Research training is embedded significantly in the fellowship. The goal is to equip fellows as academic leaders within the field. The program provides opportunities for engagement in various scholarly activities, from basic biomedical research to quality improvement projects. Fellows participate in a Core Curriculum in Scholarship Skills designed to enhance their research methodology and teaching proficiency.

Training Sites and Facilities

Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) offers a high-volume patient population that presents a diverse array of cases. Facilities include fully accredited sleep laboratories and pulmonary function testing, providing a comprehensive environment for both clinical practice and research.

Call and Responsibilities

Fellows typically handle night call on a shared basis, primarily managed via pager. While on call, fellows may receive calls but are not usually expected to come into the hospital. They are responsible for inpatient rounds alongside attending staff during weekends and holidays.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The Pediatric Pulmonology Fellowship at CHLA participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and accepts applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants should be aware that the program maintains a highly competitive standard, with acceptance of up to two fellows per year.

Visa Support

The program offers sponsorship for various visa types, supporting eligible international medical graduates in their application process.

Special Application Requirements

While the program is open to international medical graduates and DOs, it is recommended that applicants have a robust clinical background in pediatrics along with excellent references and demonstrable research experience. Specific requirements regarding years of graduation or limitations on failed STEP exams have not been disclosed.

Salary and Benefits

The salary structure is as follows:

• Post Graduate Year 4: $84,073.60
• Post Graduate Year 5: $87,401.60
• Post Graduate Year 6: $90,667.20
• Post Graduate Year 7: $93,828.80
• Post Graduate Year 8: $96,948.80

In addition to competitive salary, fellows receive health and dental benefits, 14 days of paid vacation alongside six protected sick days, a yearly educational stipend, monthly meal stipends, and a 401(k) matching program.