Program Overview
The Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) fellowship program in Allergy and Immunology offers a robust training environment at the Los Angeles Medical Center. The program, in continuous operation since 1974, allows fellows to manage a diverse patient population with allergies and other immunological disorders, providing both clinical and research training opportunities.
What Makes the Program Unique
The Allergy and Immunology fellowship is distinctive due to its separation from primary care departments, allowing specialized focus on allergies and immunology. The fellowship offers extensive cross-training opportunities in Pediatric and Adult Allergy and Immunology. Each fellow is assigned a panel of patients, ensuring continuity of care throughout the fellowship.
The fellowship also emphasizes hands-on experience in diagnostic laboratory techniques through affiliation with the Regional Allergy & Immunology Clinical Laboratory. The training program is designed to be flexible, accommodating the unique needs and interests of each fellow while promoting collaboration with trainees from other local programs.
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum is robust, structured yet adaptable, with a strong emphasis on developing high-quality clinical skills. Fellows receive comprehensive training including patient management, quality improvement projects, and research opportunities.5 The program incorporates regular conferences and didactic sessions that cover core curriculum topics, journal reviews, and research discussions. This diversified training approach ensures fellows are well-prepared for board certification and independent practice.
Research Opportunities
Research is a vital component of the fellowship. Fellows are actively involved in research projects, utilizing the Southern California Kaiser Permanente patient database for epidemiological studies. Participation in at least one Quality Improvement project is mandated, and additional resources are provided to support these initiatives.
Application Process
One fellowship position is offered each year. Applicants must have completed or be in the process of completing residency training in Internal Medicine or Pediatrics. Board eligibility or certification in the respective specialty is required. The application deadline for the fellowship is August 15, and interviews are typically conducted from October to November.4
Competitiveness and Special Requirements
The Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Kaiser Permanente Southern California is highly competitive. While the program is welcoming to both Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) graduates, applicants are advised to present strong academic records and relevant experience. Special application requirements may include maximum limits on failed STEP exams. Fellowship applicants are also encouraged to demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion in their application materials, aligning with the program's values.8
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for certain positions. However, the program typically does not meet the criteria for 'hard-to-fill' positions, which can limit visa options.10
Facility and Training Sites
The Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center is a multi-specialty teaching hospital that serves as the primary training site for the fellowship. The facility provides comprehensive services and hosts around 300 residents and fellows. With 528 beds, it serves a large and diverse patient population, ensuring fellows gain exposure to a variety of clinical scenarios.7
Salary and Benefits
Fellows are offered a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid vacation, educational leave, and a housing stipend. The institution provides opportunities for additional income through moonlighting, subject to approval by the program director.9
Diversity and Inclusion
Kaiser Permanente prioritizes diversity and inclusion within its training programs. The fellowship aims to reflect the cultural diversity of its patient population and actively recruits under-represented minority students into its programs, fostering an environment that promotes cultural competence and awareness among trainees.6
Website
- 1 .Allergy and Immunology - Kaiser Southern California Fellowship Programs
- 2 .About KP - Kaiser Permanente Graduate Medical Education Southern California
- 3 .Events - Kaiser Permanente Graduate Medical Education Southern California
- 4 .How to Apply - Kaiser Permanente Graduate Medical Education Southern California
- 5 .Curriculum - Allergy and Immunology
- 6 .Diversity - Kaiser Permanente Graduate Medical Education Southern California
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2XResidents 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
