UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

Overview of the Program

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellowship program at UCLA is designed to train pediatricians to provide comprehensive care for children with developmental and behavioral disorders. This program is part of the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and the UCLA Medical Center, known for its strong emphasis on research, education, and clinical excellence.

Fellows will experience a rich curriculum involving various subspecialty rotations, focusing on the diagnosis, management, and treatment of a wide array of developmental and behavioral issues. The program integrates clinical practice with community outreach and research, giving fellows the skill set necessary to impact children's health significantly.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum for the fellowship includes a combination of didactic training, supervised clinical practice, and research. Trainees are expected to:

• Engage in comprehensive assessments of children with developmental disorders.
• Learn to develop treatment plans that address both biological and psychosocial factors affecting children's health.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and collaborate with other professionals in fields such as psychology, social work, and occupational therapy.

There is a strong emphasis on the incorporation of evidence-based practices in both clinical and research settings.

Rotations

Fellows will rotate through various settings, including:

• UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital, where they will manage patients in outpatient clinics.
• Community clinics and schools to understand the broader context of pediatric developmental issues.
• Research rotations focused on developmental and behavioral pediatric clinical trials and preventive interventions.

The exposure to multiple settings prepares fellows for diverse challenges they may face in their careers.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to engage in projects that aim for innovation in developmental-behavioral pediatrics. Research themes may include:

• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Learning difficulties and intellectual disabilities
• Applied research on interventions and policy implications in child health

Fellows will have access to comprehensive resources, including the UCLA Health research facilities, to support their investigations.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UCLA fellowship program stands out for various reasons:

• Multi-disciplinary approach: Collaboration with professionals from live sciences, psychology, and public health enhances the learning experience.
• Diversity: The program is rooted in the culturally rich setting of Los Angeles, promoting a community-focused approach to pediatric care. This includes training in culturally competent assessments and interventions.
• Innovative training methods: The program incorporates state-of-the-art technology for assessments and treatments in a real-world clinical setting.

Training Sites

The training sites include:

• UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital: A leading academic medical center known for its dedication to children's health.
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: A safety-net facility providing valuable experience caring for underserved populations.
• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System: Offers diverse clinical experiences and exposure to veterans' and adult populations.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for international applicants. It can sponsor J-1 visas, which are commonly used for medical training in the USA. This support is essential for International Medical Graduates (IMGs) looking to gain residency training in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics fellowship program is known to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse cohort of candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. Specific application requirements may include:

• A maximum of two failed attempts on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 exams.
• A minimum of an MD or DO degree from an accredited institution.
• Completed residency in pediatrics.

Additionally, candidates must demonstrate a commitment to serving diverse populations and contribute positively to the institutional culture of inclusion and collaboration.