UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Pain medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5300504076The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers a comprehensive Pain Medicine program based in Santa Monica, designed to provide residents with multidisciplinary training in the management of pain. This program focuses on a combination of medical, psychological, and rehabilitation approaches to treat patients enduring chronic pain.
Program Structure and Curriculum
The curriculum of the Pain Medicine program emphasizes integrated training across several specialties. Residents participate in a variety of clinical rotations, including anesthesia, neurology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and psychiatry. This multifaceted exposure ensures a broad understanding of pain mechanisms and various treatment modalities. Residents engage in didactic sessions where they learn about the latest advancements in pain management and treatment strategies.
Rotations
Residents are expected to complete clinical rotations that include both inpatient and outpatient settings. This immersive experience covers:
- Anesthesia: Focus on interventional techniques for pain management, including nerve blocks and epidural injections.
- Neurology: Understanding neurological contributions to pain syndromes.
- Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Emphasis on rehabilitation strategies for chronic pain patients.
- Pain Management Clinics: Hands-on experience in multidisciplinary pain management within a clinical setting.
Additionally, the program collaborates with multiple institutions to offer diverse clinical experiences, ensuring that residents gain insights into different patient populations and medical systems.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages residents to engage in clinical research, with opportunities to work alongside faculty on innovative projects. Research interests typically focus on assessing treatment outcomes, exploring novel pain management strategies, and improving existing protocols. Residents have access to substantial resources and support for research endeavors.
Unique Aspects of the Program
One notable feature of the Pain Medicine program is its commitment to a multidisciplinary approach. This philosophy fosters collaboration among different specialties and enhances the quality of care provided to patients. In addition, the program prioritizes wellness, offering resources to support students' mental health and work-life balance.
Training Sites
The training sites for the program include the Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to patient care. Residents also gain experience at other affiliated institutions, which enriches their educational experience and prepares them for future practices.
Visa Support and Competitiveness
The program is friendly to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types, assisting residents in securing necessary documentation for their training. The competitiveness of the program is notable, attracting a diverse range of applicants from various backgrounds; however, it maintains a supportive environment for all residents.
Application Requirements
To apply for the Pain Medicine program, prospective residents should fulfill certain application requirements. Applicants are typically required to be no more than four years post-medical school graduation and demonstrate a commitment to the specialty through prior elective rotations or research experience in pain management. Specific details regarding application materials, interviews, and evaluations can be found through program-specific announcements.
Overall, the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine's Pain Medicine program offers a robust curriculum and exceptional training environment for residents who aspire to become leaders in the field of pain management.
Website
Director
Jakun W Ing, MD, MPHProgram Director Appointed Since November 2018Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
43hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$101,434First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
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Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
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