UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program in Pediatric Anesthesiology is dedicated to providing an advanced educational experience and an exceptional clinical training environment for residents. This four-year residency program includes a tailored Clinical Base Year (CBY) followed by three years of specialized training at prestigious institutions.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed to prepare residents for a successful career in anesthesiology, integrating theoretical knowledge with hands-on clinical experiences. During the PGY-1 year, residents rotate through essential medical/surgical units, primarily at the West Los Angeles VA Hospital, ensuring comprehensive preparation for future anesthesiology training. This year includes rotations in general medicine wards, emergency medicine, and intensive care units, culminating with a supervised anesthesiology rotation at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (RRUMC) 1.

From PGY-2 through PGY-4, the program focuses on General Anesthesiology and subspecialty training in areas such as Pediatric Anesthesiology, Obstetric Anesthesiology, Cardiothoracic Anesthesiology, and Neuroanesthesia. In these years, residents conduct over 50,000 anesthetics annually, gaining valuable exposure to complex patient cases and high-risk conditions at top-tier hospitals like Mattel Children's Hospital and the VA Greater Los Angeles Medical Center 1.

Rotations and Training Sites

Training occurs at several key locations, including:

• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center: A leading Level I Trauma Center known for its state-of-the-art facilities and a diverse range of surgical specialties.
• Mattel Children's Hospital: Highly regarded for pediatric surgical care.
• Long Beach Memorial Medical Center: Provides experience in obstetric and critical care anesthesiology.
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center: A county teaching hospital where residents learn about regional and general anesthesia.
• Children's Hospital Los Angeles: Offers clinical experience in pediatric anesthesiology, focusing on advanced techniques in airway management and regional anesthesia 1.

Research Opportunities

UCLA encourages research and scholarly activities, featuring dual tracks: the Anesthesiology Resident Research Pathway (ARRP) and the Anesthesiology Resident Scholars Program (ARSP). In ARRP, residents can dedicate up to nine months for research, with opportunities to present at national conferences. The ARSP focuses on preparing clinician scientists through a competitive selection process, offering additional stipends and requiring significant research output 2, 3.

Mental Health and Well-Being

The program prioritizes the mental health and well-being of residents, incorporating resources to help manage stress and prevent burnout. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a supportive environment through physical wellness programs and mental health services 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the program can only submit electronic applications through ERAS. Requirements include: USMLE transcripts (a passing Step 2 score is needed), medical school transcripts, letters of recommendation (three minimum, including one from anesthesiology), and a Dean's Letter. The program is competitive and accommodates both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs) 1, 4.

Visa Support

The program provides visa sponsorship for eligible applicants, particularly J1 and H1-B visas, facilitating participation for international medical graduates who wish to further their training in the United States.5

Unique Features of the Program

The UCLA anesthesiology residency program stands out not only for its rigorous clinical training but also for its commitment to education. With a strong focus on research, robust support structures for mental health, and continuous feedback loops from an active education steering committee, residents receive a holistic training experience that prepares them for leadership roles in the field.

Living in Los Angeles

Los Angeles offers a vibrant lifestyle, blending cultural diversity, fine dining, and outdoor activities. The location provides access to numerous recreational opportunities, as well as proximity to various artistic and cultural experiences, all contributing to a well-rounded resident experience beyond clinical training 1, 5.