UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA Multicampus Program in Infectious Diseases offers a comprehensive fellowship designed to equip aspiring infectious disease specialists with the necessary skills and experiences to excel in academic and clinical settings. This program emphasizes diverse training tracks, unique clinical settings, and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Training Tracks

Fellows can choose between two distinct training tracks tailored to their career aspirations:

• Academic Research Track: This track focuses on providing a longitudinal, mentored research training experience aimed at preparing fellows for careers as independently funded investigators. It typically consists of one year of intensive clinical training followed by two or more years dedicated to research.
• Clinical Scholar Track: Structured over two years, this track is designed for fellows who seek a more clinically oriented career in areas such as general and transplant infectious diseases, HIV medicine, and public health. This track offers balanced inpatient and outpatient training opportunities at various sites.

Training Sites

Fellows experience diverse outpatient and inpatient experiences across five primary training locations:

• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
• UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

This diversity in training sites ensures ample exposure to varying patient populations and healthcare settings, thus preparing fellows for any career path in infectious diseases.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research mentorship, with fellows encouraged to engage in projects that contribute to advancements in infectious diseases. The faculty's diverse research interests range from basic science to clinical trials, providing fellows opportunities to participate in significant research initiatives1.

Living in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a vibrant and diverse living environment that contributes significantly to the fellowship experience. The city boasts an average of 284 days of sunshine per year, along with a multitude of recreational activities, such as hiking, skiing, and surfing. Fellows typically reside in neighborhoods like Brentwood, Santa Monica, and Westwood, with varying housing options available, from high-rises to bungalows.

Los Angeles is also known for its cultural scene, with numerous museums, theaters, and a wide array of dining options ranging from trendy restaurants to local food trucks. Therefore, fellows find it an enjoyable city to live in while undergoing rigorous training in their field.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The program is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion within both the fellowship and the broader academic community of UCLA. This includes implementing holistic review processes for applicants, conducting implicit bias training, and engaging in initiatives to increase minority representation within the fellowship. The program recognizes the impact of social determinants of health and has established various activities to address structural inequities affecting healthcare delivery in the infectious diseases sphere.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting top candidates from diverse backgrounds. It is also known to be friendly towards candidates from DO and IMG backgrounds. Certain application prerequisites may be in place, including satisfactory performance on board examinations; however, specific maximum failed attempts policies may vary, and it is recommended that applicants prepare their applications meticulously to meet the standards set by the program.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Typically, J-1 exchange visitor visas are supported, allowing fellows to participate fully in the training experience.

Program Outcome

Graduates of the program find themselves well-prepared for careers across various sectors, including academia, public health, and private practice. Their training equips them to pursue opportunities in infection control, antimicrobial stewardship, and advanced clinical roles, reflecting the program's commitment to producing adept healthcare leaders.