UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program in Pediatric Hospital Medicine

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers a Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship program that is dedicated to training physicians in the comprehensive care of hospitalized children. This program focuses on equipping fellows with the skills necessary to excel in both clinical and academic pediatric hospital medicine.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is designed to provide extensive exposure to various facets of pediatric hospital medicine. The program includes rotations in different subspecialties, allowing fellows to acquire a breadth of knowledge and capabilities. These rotations typically encompass pediatric critical care, emergency medicine, and specific outpatient management aspects. Additionally, fellows participate in didactic training sessions that cover essential topics relevant to pediatric hospital practice.

Fellows also engage in clinical research, ensuring that they stay at the forefront of advances in pediatric care through evidence-based practices. The integration of research methodologies into clinical practice helps fellows foster a critical mindset necessary for academic growth and professional development within laboratory and clinical environments.

Training Sites

UCLA Health encompasses multiple training sites, including the renowned Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA, which serves as the primary venue for the fellowship. This institution is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and houses a diverse patient population. Fellows are also exposed to various community settings through affiliated hospitals such as the Olive View-UCLA Medical Center and the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System. Such exposure is pivotal for fellows to understand diverse healthcare delivery models.

Research Opportunities

The program is committed to cultivating scholarly research. Fellows are encouraged to partake in ongoing research projects, which may cover various topics such as health disparities, improved hospital systems, and innovative treatments in pediatric care. Collaborative opportunities with faculty members enable fellows to enhance their research skills, engage in widespread scholarly activities, and contribute to meaningful advancements in pediatrics.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UCLA Pediatric Hospital Medicine fellowship stands out for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The program actively promotes an inclusive environment that reflects the diverse populations served by UCLA Health. Furthermore, the presence of experienced mentors facilitates personalized professional development and leadership training tailored to each fellow's aspirations.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support to international applicants. Specifically, it provides sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas, ensuring a pathway for qualified candidates to join the fellowship and contribute their unique perspectives to the fellowship and medical community.

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting applicants from leading medical schools across the United States and internationally. While it maintains a rigorous selection process, it is also recognized for being friendly to DOs (Doctors of Osteopathy) and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The program values diverse backgrounds, emphasizing the necessity for varied perspectives in the health field.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants must have completed a pediatric residency before applying to the fellowship. Candidates with a maximum of two failed STEP examinations and those who graduated from medical school within the last five years are encouraged to apply. The program seeks to attract not just those with strong academic records but also those who demonstrate a commitment to community engagement and patient care.