Children's Hospital Los Angeles/University of Southern California Program
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Congenital cardiac surgeryACGME Code:
4660512001The Congenital Cardiac Surgery (CCS) fellowship program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA), affiliated with the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California, is a prestigious one-year program designed to provide advanced training in congenital cardiothoracic surgery. Under the leadership of Dr. Vaughn A. Starnes, the program aims to further develop the skills of thoracic surgical residents who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency.
This program equips fellows with a deep understanding of both normal and abnormal pediatric cardiovascular conditions, along with their pathophysiology. With the CCS fellowship being an ACGME-approved program, graduates are eligible for the certification process in pediatric cardiac surgery. This unique training environment is essential for those who aspire to specialize in pediatric and congenital heart surgery.
Curriculum Overview
The curriculum focuses on the comprehensive education of fellows in various aspects of congenital cardiac surgery. Graduates of this fellowship will have gained substantial experience in pivotal areas, including:
- Operative and non-operative management of congenital heart disease
- Advanced techniques in cardiac surgery
- Multi-disciplinary collaboration with pediatric cardiologists, anesthesiologists, and other specialized healthcare professionals
- Participation in complex surgical cases
Fellows also benefit from exposure to the largest congenital heart program on the West Coast, which incorporates congenital cardiac surgery, cardiology, cardiothoracic transplantation, cardiac intensive care, and cardiac anesthesia, enhancing their learning experience within a high-volume clinical setting.
Training Sites and Facilities
CHLA boasts robust facilities to support the fellowship program. The Cardiothoracic Surgery Program has:
- Two dedicated operating rooms available 24/7
- A 24-bed cardiothoracic intensive care unit (CTICU)
- A 21-bed cardiovascular intensive care unit (CVICU)
These facilities ensure that fellows are well-prepared to care for all post-operative surgical patients and to manage critically ill patients suffering from heart disease.
Research Opportunities
Research plays a vital role in the fellowship experience. Fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research, contributing to ongoing studies that advance knowledge in pediatric cardiac surgery. The program fosters an academic environment conducive to innovative research activities, including collaborations with faculty members and involvement in national conferences.
Application Requirements and Competitiveness
To be eligible for the CCS fellowship, candidates must meet several requirements:
- Completion of a general surgery residency
- Pursuit of certification by the American Board of Thoracic Surgery (ABTS) is required, either by being eligible or already certified
- Completion of an ACGME-approved adult cardiothoracic surgery residency
Only one fellowship position is offered per year. The program is recognized as highly competitive, primarily focusing on U.S.-trained candidates and may not be as friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) due to the specific requirements tied to residency completion.
Visa Sponsorship
The program supports the application for J-1 visas; however, candidates on H1B visas are not accepted. This allows for a broader selection of candidates from international backgrounds, contingent upon their compliance with the set criteria.
Conclusion
Overall, the CCS fellowship program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is an exceptional opportunity for those dedicated to pursuing a career in congenital cardiac surgery. With a focus on comprehensive training, research involvement, and mentorship from experienced faculty members, fellows are well-equipped to excel in this specialized field of medicine.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
72hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
18hrsFirst Year Salary:
$93,000First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
7XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
