Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center Program
Location:
Northridge, CASpecialty:
Sports medicine (Family medicine)ACGME Code:
1270512096The Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship Program at Dignity Health Northridge Hospital Medical Center offers a comprehensive one-year fellowship designed for physicians who have completed a Family Medicine residency. Located in the San Fernando Valley, just north of downtown Los Angeles, this fellowship aims to produce well-rounded sports medicine specialists capable of providing evidence-based care across various populations and clinical settings.
The educational mission of the fellowship is multi-faceted, aiming to cultivate confidence in fellows to function effectively within multi-disciplinary teams and to serve as an educational resource within the medical community. Fellows will gain proficiency in leadership, research, and critical analysis, enhancing their skills in primary care while contributing to the diverse field of sports medicine.
To achieve these goals, the fellowship provides a longitudinal curriculum with experiences across multiple clinical settings, event coverage, and structured didactics. This format allows fellows to tailor their education in line with their career aspirations.
Curriculum and Clinical Rotations
The fellowship incorporates a variety of clinical rotation sites:
- Southern California Orthopedic Institute: This community-based multi-disciplinary clinic offers orthopedic and sports medicine care, including access to surgical specialties, physical therapy, MRI, and gait analysis.
- Klotz Student Health Center at California State University, Northridge: A university-based clinic providing comprehensive sports medicine care, including collaboration with physical therapists, athletic trainers, and sports psychologists.
- Continuity Clinic at Northridge Family Medicine Clinic: This setting allows fellows to serve in a junior faculty capacity, enhancing their teaching and mentoring skills.
Event coverage responsibilities include prominent sports teams and institutions such as California State University, Northridge (a Division 1 institution) and the Los Angeles Unified School District high school football teams.
Application Process
Participation in the fellowship is facilitated through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP). Eligible applicants are those who have completed, or are in the process of completing, a Family Medicine Residency program. The application process mandates submission of the following documents via ERAS:
- Personal Statement
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- USMLE or COMLEX scores for all parts (1, 2, and 3)
- Residency Program Director's letter of recommendation
- At least two additional letters of recommendation, including one from a primary care sports medicine physician
It is noteworthy that visa sponsorship is not available for this program. Applications are reviewed starting when ERAS opens in July, with a final application deadline set for October 15.
Fellowship Benefits
The program offers several competitive benefits to its fellows, including:
- Salary: $74,812.61 annually, alongside a tax-saving annuity with a matching funds program.
- Health Insurance: Comprehensive individual health insurance options for fellows and their families, including medical, dental, vision, and disability coverage.
- CME and Time Off: Four weeks of vacation, potential additional days for personal time off, and five funded study days.
- Liability Coverage: Professional liability coverage is included.
- Counseling Services: Access to the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for counseling.
- Meals: Complimentary meals are provided upon working shifts at the hospital.
- Educational Stipend: An annual stipend of $400 for educational materials.
Competitiveness and Special Considerations
The fellowship is characterized as highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants. It is essential for applicants to note that only candidates who have completed a Family Medicine residency are eligible, aligning with the program's goals of advanced training in sports medicine.
Visa Support
As previously mentioned, the fellowship does not offer visa sponsorship, which may be a critical consideration for international medical graduates seeking to apply.
Website
Director
Mandeep S Ghuman, MDSports Medicine Program Director Appointed Since July 2015Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
45hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,139First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
2Location
Northridge, Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Northridge, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Northridge is generally considered a safe neighborhood; however, like any area, it's good to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- Fun Activities: Northridge offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, visiting the scenic Zelzah Park, and exploring the Northridge Fashion Center.
- Climate: Northridge has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for warm temperatures during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Northridge is a diverse community with a mix of various races and ethnicities, creating a multicultural environment.
- Education: Northridge is home to California State University, Northridge, which offers various educational opportunities and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Northridge is relatively high compared to other parts of California, with housing costs being the most significant expense.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Northridge is located approximately 25 miles northwest of Los Angeles. Depending on traffic, the drive to downtown Los Angeles can take around 30-45 minutes, providing access to a wide range of entertainment, dining, and cultural opportunities in a major city.
- Pros: Access to a major city like Los Angeles, diverse community, outdoor activities.
- Cons: High cost of living, potential traffic congestion when commuting to nearby cities.
Interview Questions
