UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program in Interventional Radiology - Integrated is a comprehensive residency program designed to train residents in all aspects of interventional radiology, providing both diagnostic and procedural skills. This five-year integrated residency focuses on dual certification in diagnostic and interventional radiology through a well-structured educational pathway.

Program Structure

The residency begins with a preliminary year in general surgery at UCLA, followed by four additional years dedicated to interventional radiology and diagnostic radiology training. The curriculum is divided into two primary sections: the first three years emphasize diagnostic radiology, while the last two years concentrate on interventional radiology. This structure ensures residents acquire a robust foundation and then gain advanced procedural expertise.

Clinical Education

Residents participate in an immersive clinical education experience that emphasizes various subspecialties and procedural training. The curriculum includes:

• Conferences and lectures in radiological physics, nuclear medicine, and radiobiology
• One-on-one workstation viewing training supervised by faculty members
• Rotations through various radiology subspecialties, including abdominal imaging, pediatric radiology, breast imaging, neuroradiology, vascular interventional radiology, and ultrasonography.

These rotations take place at multiple training sites, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, UCLA Medical Center Santa Monica, West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. This diverse training environment allows residents to experience a wide range of clinical cases and patient populations.

Research Opportunities

Research is a vital component of the residency experience at UCLA. Residents are strongly encouraged to engage in investigative projects under faculty supervision throughout their training. The program houses state-of-the-art research facilities like the Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), which focuses on developing and testing new imaging technologies, medical devices, and innovative treatment strategies.

Application Process and Requirements

Applying to the UCLA integrated interventional radiology residency requires a completed application through the NRMP. Candidates must have one year of accredited clinical training in specific specialties, including Internal Medicine, Surgery, or Obstetrics and Gynecology. Notably, international medical graduates must submit additional documentation, such as an ECFMG Status Report.

The program has specific application conditions, including:

• The maximum total duration of time spent in radiology cannot exceed three months before the start of the residency.
• The medical school Dean's letter is expected by the application deadline.
• Applications should be submitted by October 31 of the year preceding the desired match date.

Visa Sponsorship

The program supports international applicants and can sponsor J-1 clinical visas and F-1 visas. However, H-1b visas are only appropriate for applicants who graduated from a U.S. medical school. Each applicant is assessed on a case-by-case basis. This policy makes the program relatively friendly to international graduates.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents at UCLA receive a competitive salary supplemented with additional benefits. The program includes:

• Health, vision, and dental insurance benefits at no additional cost.
• Annual educational funds for attending professional meetings or conferences.
• A housing stipend and meal allowances.
• Flexible time off policies, including vacation and sick leave, as well as parental leave.

Such comprehensive benefits ensure residents maintain a healthy work-life balance during their training.

Life in Los Angeles

The program is located in Los Angeles, a vibrant city rich in cultural diversity and recreational opportunities. Residents typically settle in surrounding areas such as Westwood, Santa Monica, or Culver City, where they can enjoy the coastal lifestyle along with the amenities provided in a major city.

Competitiveness

The UCLA integrated interventional radiology residency is considered highly competitive. The program emphasizes a diverse applicant background, welcoming candidates from various educational and personal experiences. This approach enables the selection committee to evaluate a wide range of qualifications holistically.