Los Angeles County-Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Fellowship in Surgical Critical Care offered by the program is a 1-year ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to prepare trainees for a rewarding career in the demanding environment of surgical critical care. The program is based at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, which serves as the busiest and only Level 1 trauma center in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. Each year, the fellowship accepts two fellows, providing them access to a unique patient population and a wide array of clinical experiences.

The Division of Trauma, Acute Care Surgery, and Surgical Critical Care at Harbor-UCLA treats over 4,500 injured patients annually, with a significant proportion suffering penetrating injuries. The clinical experience includes managing patients in a fast-paced 14-bed Surgical Intensive Care Unit (SICU) and exposure to over 2,000 trauma and emergency surgeries annually.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship's rotation schedule is structured to maximize exposure to critical care and surgical procedures. The distribution of time across various units includes:

• SICU at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center: 6 months
• Trauma/ACS at St. Francis Hospital: 2 months
• PICU at Children's Hospital of Orange County: 1 month
• Research: 1 month

The complete duration of the fellowship is 12 months, providing robust training and clinical experience.

Fellow Responsibilities

Fellows are not only engaged in clinical duties but are also required to participate actively in educational roles, mentoring medical students and residents. The program encourages leadership development through initiatives focused on patient safety and quality improvement, as well as participation in hospital committees.

Educational Activities

The program emphasizes comprehensive education and skills development. Key components include:

• Bedside Teaching Rounds
• Multidisciplinary Rounds
• Ultrasound Image Review and Mini-Journal Club
• Journal Club
• Weekly Trauma/Critical Care Conference

Moreover, fellows have access to simulation training at both the Harbor-UCLA Simulation Center and the UCLA Simulation Center, culminating in capabilities to teach and achieve certifications like ATLS Instructor.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental element of the fellowship. The program partners with the Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation to drive innovative research that informs and enhances trauma care practices. Participants can involve themselves in both funded and non-funded studies that aim to improve patient outcomes in various domains, including trauma and critical care.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To apply to the fellowship, candidates must have completed a minimum of 3 years of general surgery training at an accredited program in the United States. It is preferred that applicants have EPITES General Surgery residency completion. The application process aligns with NRMP protocols, and non-US medical graduates with J1 visas are accepted as well.

Visa Support and Types

The program provides support for candidates requiring visa sponsorship. Specifically, the program sponsors J1 visas, making it accessible for international medical graduates who meet the eligibility criteria.

Competitiveness

The fellowship at Harbor-UCLA is competitive and seeks qualified candidates from both US and international backgrounds. The program has been noted for being DO and IMG friendly, encouraging a diverse application pool.

Important Dates and Interview Process

Invitations for interviews are sent out in late June, with interviews taking place in July and August annually.

Unique Aspects of the Program

In addition to its rigorous clinical training, the fellowship also incorporates a community outreach component, engaging in injury prevention programs alongside local organizations. The emphasis on community partnerships showcases the program’s dedication to improving health outcomes within the local population.