Riverside University Health System Program

Riverside University Health System’s Neurology Residency Program offers a comprehensive clinical education that focuses on neurology, particularly in an ambulatory setting. As a newly-accredited program, it operates within a primary stroke center that boasts over 400 acute care beds and provides on-site primary and specialty ambulatory services. Residents will have a wide breadth of clinical exposure through rotations in both county and university hospital settings.1

The residency program emphasizes an immersive experience within a diverse and underserved community. Residents benefit from a close-knit, supportive, and collegial environment fostered by faculty members who are dedicated to providing excellent specialty care. These faculty members not only offer a variety of subspecialty training but are also committed to resident education. This creates a robust learning environment conducive to the development of residents. Regular didactic sessions are protected to ensure dedicated learning time each week.1

Clinical Rotations

Residents will enjoy opportunities to participate in nearby rotations at Loma Linda University Medical Center, enhancing their clinical experience and diversifying their training across different care settings. The program is integrated into a larger Graduate Medical Education framework at RUHS, encouraging collaboration between various specialties such as neurosurgery, internal medicine, radiology, psychiatry, and family medicine, which supports integrative patient care and enhances the learning experience.1

Research Opportunities

The program supports residents' involvement in scholarly activities with available resources, including the Comparative Effectiveness and Clinical Outcomes Research Center (CECORC). This commitment to research helps residents develop a well-rounded skill set applicable in both clinical practice and academic medicine.1

Salary and Benefits

As of July 1, 2023, the residency program offers competitive salaries starting from $67,582 for PGY-1 residents and reaching $84,140 by PGY-7. These salaries are set to increase in the following year, starting at $70,962 for PGY-1 through to $88,347 for PGY-7. Residents receive a biweekly payment schedule with direct deposit options.3

Benefits for residents include comprehensive health and dental insurance at no charge, with options for family coverage available. Additional benefits include long-term and short-term disability insurance, life insurance, worker's compensation, and a generous vacation schedule of fifteen days per year plus five paid conference days.3

Other supportive resources such as counseling services, allowance for meal coverage during on-call shifts, and provision of lab coats and scrub suits enhance the overall residency experience. However, it should be noted that RUHS does not provide housing.3

Application Requirements

Prospective residents must be either U.S. citizens or permanent residents as Riverside University Health System does not offer visa sponsorship. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and only complete applications will be reviewed. A set of minimum documentation including a Curriculum Vitae, medical school transcript, Dean’s letter, and USMLE/COMLEX transcripts are required for application consideration.4

The program also mandates the submission of three letters of reference from physicians, and for those currently in a PGY1 program, a reference from the current program director is also required. Graduates from international medical schools must submit a current Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Certificate.4

Competitiveness and Interviews

The program has a competitive nature, focusing on candidates' preparedness, academic credentials, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity. Interviews will be conducted both virtually and in-person, with candidates notified through ERAS if selected.4

Living in the Moreno Valley Area

Riverside University Health System is located in sunny Southern California, providing residents access to various recreational activities including hiking, skiing, and cultural experiences. The cost of living in this area is generally lower than in nearby urban centers like Los Angeles, making it a desirable location for residents during their training years.1