Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium Program

Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital is a renowned 250-bed facility located in Loma Linda, California, affiliated with Loma Linda University School of Medicine. The hospital serves a vast geographical area covering the four-county Inland Empire, with a pediatric population exceeding 1.2 million children. This establishes the program as a critical healthcare provider in Southern California, evidenced by its robust annual admissions of approximately 1800 patients, as well as the execution of around 800 pediatric critical care transports each year.

The fellowship in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine emphasizes comprehensive training through direct participation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (PCICU). The Pediatric Critical Care service encompasses a closed 25-bed medical/surgical PICU and a 33-bed pediatric cardiac/solid organ transplant intensive care unit, providing a wide array of clinical experiences to fellows.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship program is structured over three years, with a focus on clinical service and research. In the first year, fellows engage in 8 blocks of clinical service, including the PICU and PCICU, alongside a rotation in Anesthesia and 3 blocks dedicated to research. The second year comprises 7 blocks of clinical service, 1 block in Cardiothoracic Surgery, and 4 blocks for research pursuits. The third year comprises 6 blocks of clinical service, 1 elective block, and 5 blocks of research, allowing fellows to tailor their experiences according to their interests.

Educational Activities

The fellows gain extensive educational experience through various conferences and activities designed to enhance their clinical and academic skills. Participation includes Case Presentations, Journal Clubs, Pathology Conferences, and M&M conferences specific to Pediatric Critical Care and Pediatric Cardiothoracic cases. Fellows lead core lectures for residents and participate in mock codes and nursing education sessions. Additional educational opportunities to enhance skills may include courses in Pediatric Fundamental Critical Care Support, simulation-based training, and ECMO training.

Global Health Opportunities

Loma Linda University Health has a robust commitment to global health initiatives and offers fellowship training that includes opportunities for international service experiences. The Global Service Concentration program allows fellows to develop competencies necessary for providing healthcare in diverse service settings. They can participate in approved international partner sites, contributing to valuable global health initiatives while gaining global perspectives applicable to their training.

Wellness Initiatives

This fellowship program places a strong emphasis on the well-being of its fellows, recognizing the importance of establishing a supportive environment. Each residency program has a Chief Wellness Resident who acts as a liaison for promoting wellness initiatives and fostering community among residents. Various resources and activities aimed at stress management and personal well-being are also available, including counseling services and opportunities for personal resilience building.

Application Process

Interested applicants are required to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS) along with key supporting documents, which include a complete CV, medical school diploma, recommendation letters, and USMLE Steps 1 & 2 or COMLEX I & II scores. Importantly, the program welcomes international medical graduates and DO applicants. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for work permits, including U.S. citizenship, permanent residency, or eligibility for a J-1 visa.

Visa Support

The program provides sponsorship for a J-1 visa, which is available to foreign medical graduates who are ECFMG certified. Moreover, applicants holding a current H-1B visa from another U.S. Graduate Medical Education program are also eligible to apply, ensuring accessibility for international physicians.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

Loma Linda’s Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, with a carefully structured selection process ensuring that candidates are well qualified. Eligible candidates must be graduates of medical schools accredited by the Liaison Council on Medical Education or the American Osteopathic Association, or ECFMG certified graduates from other medical schools. The program also adheres strictly to the National Residency Matching Program rules, and applicants who have violated these rules are not considered.