UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

UCLA Anesthesiology Residency Program Overview

The UCLA Anesthesiology Residency Program offers a comprehensive and world-class educational experience designed to cultivate future leaders in anesthesiology. The residency spans four years, beginning with a Clinical Base Year (PGY-1) followed by three years of diverse clinical training at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (RRUMC) and affiliated hospitals. The program is committed to developing a solid foundation of clinical knowledge while fostering an inclusive and multicultural environment for its residents.

At UCLA, residents are immersed in rich clinical experiences that prepare them to tackle complex patient cases and lead with confidence in their post-residency careers. The program emphasizes the importance of building strong relationships among colleagues and faculty, ensuring that residents have a robust support network throughout their training.

Curriculum Structure

The residency curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure comprehensive training across various subspecialties in anesthesiology. The initial year (PGY-1) focuses on critical medicine and comprehensive clinical exposure through rotations in several specialized units at the West Los Angeles VA Hospital and other sites.

Clinical Base Year (PGY-1)

The PGY-1 year includes rotations that may encompass general medicine, emergency medicine, intensive care, and surgical co-management, among others. Residents also receive foundational training in clinical anesthesiology, with direct supervision from faculty, ensuring a structured learning experience that culminates in hands-on training in the operating rooms.

CA-1 to CA-3 Years

The subsequent years focus on main operating room experience, pediatrics, obstetrics, cardiothoracic anesthesia, neuroanesthesia, and outpatient surgery. Notably, residents undertake significant procedures, managing cases that involve advanced anesthetic techniques and critical care management.

Training Sites

Residents of the UCLA Anesthesiology program benefit from a diverse array of training environments that enhance their learning experiences:

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

As a premier teaching hospital, RRUMC serves as the primary training site, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology. Its status as a Level I trauma center allows residents to gain vital experience managing trauma cases.

Olive View UCLA Medical Center

This county teaching hospital offers residents exposure to a wide range of patient demographics in a community setting, focusing on regional anesthetic techniques.

Children's Hospital Los Angeles

This prestigious pediatric facility provides specialized training in pediatric anesthesiology, enabling practical exposure to diverse pediatric cases.

Long Beach Memorial Medical Center

Residents benefit from rich experiences in obstetric anesthesia, further enhancing their competencies in managing labor and delivery scenarios.

Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Medical Center

This facility offers critical training in cardiac anesthesia and provides insights into patient care within the veteran population.

Research Opportunities

The UCLA Anesthesiology Residency Program heavily emphasizes research and scholarly activity, providing residents with numerous avenues to engage in meaningful research endeavors. Two distinct pathways are available for residents with a keen interest in research:

Anesthesiology Resident Research Pathway (ARRP)

This track allows up to nine months of dedicated research time during residency. Residents in this program are required to submit their findings at departmental events and can receive departmental support for attendance at national meetings.

Anesthesiology Resident Scholars Program (ARSP)

This competitive five-year program trains clinician-scientists committed to advancing anesthesiology research. Scholars receive a stipend and are required to engage in presentations at significant scientific venues.

Visa Support

The UCLA Anesthesiology Residency Program offers visa sponsorship options, including H-1B and J-1 visas for international applicants. This support reflects a commitment to fostering a diverse and globally inclusive environment within the residency.

Application Requirements

UCLA’s residency program is highly competitive, welcoming applicants with various educational backgrounds, including those from U.S. and international medical schools. Key application components include:

• USMLE Transcripts (Step 2 score required for consideration)
• Medical School Transcripts
• Personal Statements and Letters of Recommendation (minimum of three)
• Dean’s Letter (MSPE)

There are no strict graduation year requirements, but candidates are encouraged to submit strong performance on standardized examinations and prior clinical experience.

Living in Los Angeles

Residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle in Los Angeles, benefiting from diverse cultural experiences, outdoor activities, and a supportive residential community. The city is renowned for its scenic beauty, rich history, and multitude of neighborhoods, providing a well-rounded experience to complement the rigorous demands of residency.