Residency Advisor

Harbor-UCLA Medical Center offers a comprehensive neurology residency program dedicated to training well-rounded neurologists. The program is uniquely designed to provide residents with a robust educational experience while ensuring high-quality patient care.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program encompasses a structured curriculum designed to optimize educational outcomes over the four years. This approach ensures that residents progressively gain knowledge, skills, and responsibilities in neurology.

PGY 1

The first year (PGY1) focuses on foundational medicine and clinical skills. Key components include:

  • neurology wards (12 weeks)
  • emergency department (8 weeks)
  • medicine ward (8 weeks)
  • medical ICU (4 weeks)
  • neurosurgery (4 weeks)
  • elective rotations (4 weeks)
  • medicine clinics (4 weeks)
  • vacation (4 weeks)

PGY 2

The second year (PGY2) enhances clinical responsibility, including:

  • neurology wards (10 weeks)
  • neurology consults (15-16 weeks)
  • electives (4 weeks)
  • clinical rotations in various subspecialties, including movement disorders and neuromuscular clinics.

Night float rotations are implemented for better workload management.

PGY 3

During the third year (PGY3), residents begin to take on more specialized roles and responsibilities. The schedule includes:

  • electives (10-14 weeks)
  • neurology consults (4 weeks)
  • pediatric neurology (8 weeks)
  • research opportunities.

PGY 4

The final year (PGY4) emphasizes leadership and senior resident roles, with responsibilities that include:

  • acting as chief residents on wards or consult services.
  • participation in teaching junior residents and medical students.

Clinical Rotations

Rotations occur across multiple facilities, including Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, various clinics, and the VA Long Beach. This ensures a broad exposure to diverse patient populations and neurological conditions.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages resident participation in research, supported by full-time faculty who are active in various areas, including clinical trials and basic science. Residents can pursue research projects as part of their electives during PGY3, allowing them to build a foundation for a potential career in academic neurology.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Harbor-UCLA emphasizes caring for underserved communities, with a patient demographic that is diverse ethnically and socioeconomically. This focus enhances the learning experience by providing residents with the opportunity to engage meaningfully with a wide variety of neurological disorders.

Wellness Support

Recognizing the challenges of residency, the program provides wellness support including housing stipends, educational funds, and opportunities to engage in recreational and social activities, contributing to a balanced lifestyle.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates, which supports their residency training and pathway to eventual board certification.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The neurology residency program is considered highly competitive. Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation, including at least two from neurology. U.S. citizen or resident candidates will be prioritized, but the program welcomes international medical graduates (IMGs) and those with degrees from U.S. osteopathic schools.

Specific application requirements are in place, including eligibility for the USMLE Step examinations and adherence to a timeline that encourages early applications. The program typically matches five residents each year.

Salary and Benefits

Residents at Harbor-UCLA are compensated with a competitive salary and various benefits, including:

  • annual housing allowance of $10,000
  • education stipend of $1,400
  • meals provided during shifts
  • free parking and uniforms.

Additionally, wellbeing initiatives including confidential counseling services support residents' mental health and job satisfaction.

Resident Life

Living in the South Bay area of Los Angeles offers residents an array of recreational opportunities from beaches to cultural experiences, promoting a healthy work-life balance.

The program fosters camaraderie among residents, who often engage in social activities beyond the hospital setting.

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Fit
Location
Culture
Prestige
Research
Schedule / Training

Program

Program Size

5, 5, 5, 5 (4 years)
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation since November 1966

Composition

Quality of Life

First year average hours per week:

60hrs

First year max cons. hours on duty:

14hrs

First Year Salary:

$70,025

First Year Paid Vacation:

24 days

First Year Paid Sick Leave:

8 days

Training

Fellowship Rate:

57%

Faculty to Residents Ratio:

1.1X

Residents career path:

Full-time Practice
Academic
Fellowship
Other

Admission

Min. Step 2 Score:

210

Visa Sponsorship:

J1

YOG Cutoff:

10

Match History

1067180C0

2024

5 of 5

2023

5 of 5

2022

5 of 5

2021

4 of 5

2020

4 of 4

Location

Torrance, CA

Population
147,067
Income
$77,719
Education
36.2%
Employment
60.6%
Health
7.9%
Age
44

Housing - Rental Prices

Crime - All Violent Offences

Living in Torrance, CA

  • Location: Torrance is a city located in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County, California. It is known for its safe and family-friendly atmosphere.
  • Crime Rate and Safety: Torrance has a relatively low crime rate compared to other parts of Los Angeles. The city has a strong police presence which contributes to the feeling of safety.
  • Fun Activities: Torrance offers a variety of recreational activities including parks, beaches, shopping centers, and cultural events. The city is also close to popular attractions like the beaches of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach.
  • Climate: Torrance has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Residents can enjoy plenty of sunshine throughout the year.
  • Races and Population: Torrance is a diverse city with a population that includes a mix of different races and ethnicities.
  • Education: Torrance has highly rated public schools and is home to institutions like El Camino College. There are also options for higher education in nearby cities.
  • Cost of Living: The cost of living in Torrance is higher than the national average, but lower than in some parts of Los Angeles. Housing costs can be a significant factor to consider.
  • Adjacent Cities: Torrance is close to cities like Long Beach, Santa Monica, and downtown Los Angeles. Driving times to these locations can vary depending on traffic, but typically range from 20 to 45 minutes.
  • Pros: Safe environment, good schools, proximity to beaches, and easy access to larger cities.
  • Cons: Higher cost of living compared to some other areas, traffic congestion during peak hours.

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