UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program in Pediatric Radiology provides a comprehensive four-year residency training in Diagnostic Radiology, with exposure to diverse subspecialties. The program is integrated within the UCLA Health system, featuring rotations through five affiliated teaching hospitals, including Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, Santa Monica UCLA Medical Center, the West Los Angeles Veterans Administration Medical Center, and Children's Hospital Los Angeles. The goal is to equip residents with a robust educational experience underpinned by the latest technological advancements in medical imaging and patient care 1.

Curriculum Overview

The Pediatric Radiology residency curriculum emphasizes progressive, supervised responsibility over the course of training. This includes hands-on experience with conventional and advanced imaging technologies, such as Computerized Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Furthermore, training extends beyond mere imaging; residents participate in clinical decision-making pertinent to pediatric patients and gain expertise in various subspecialties, including neuroimaging and musculoskeletal radiology 2.

During the first year, residents will rotate through core disciplines except breast imaging and cardiovascular interventional radiology. Such experience is foundational, with supervision provided primarily by faculty during image analyses and interpretations 5. Subsequent years build upon this foundation, introducing increasing levels of responsibility and specialized rotations.

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal aspect of the residency program, encouraging residents to engage in various investigative projects under faculty mentorship. UCLA's state-of-the-art research facilities, such as the Translational Research Imaging Center (TRIC), offer residents the opportunity to work with innovative imaging technologies and participate in studies that advance medical practice 1.

Rotation Schedule

Rotations cover critical areas necessary for pediatric radiology, including abdominal imaging, neuroradiology, breast imaging, and pediatric ultrasonography. The comprehensive experience across multiple settings and patient demographics endows residents with the expertise to manage a variety of clinical scenarios 6.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants to the residency program participate in the Electronic Resident Application Service (ERAS) and must submit a completed application package by October 31 of the preceding year. This package includes a personal statement, medical school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, USMLE Step 1 scores (minimum passing required), and an ECFMG Status Report for international medical graduates. Education requirements include at least one year of accredited clinical training in approved programs 3.

Additionally, applicants must hold an appropriate visa status for residency training. The UCLA Health program accepts ECFMG J-1 clinical visas and F-1 visas for international medical graduates. H-1 visas are only available for applicants who have graduated from U.S. medical schools 4.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered, applicants should ideally not have more than three months of prior training in Radiology, Radiation Oncology, or Pathology. The program also mandates that all clinical training must occur in ACGME, AOA, or RCPSC-approved programs (or equivalent) 3.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The UCLA Pediatric Radiology residency program is known for being highly competitive due to its prime location, wealth of resources, and strong reputation. The program actively embraces diversity and follows a modified holistic review process during the application selection, considering factors beyond grades or scores, thus attracting a broadly diverse candidate pool 6.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the defining characteristics of the UCLA Pediatric Radiology residency is its commitment to creating an educational environment that fosters innovation and advancement in medical imaging. The program aims to develop radiologists who are not only technically proficient but also adept at interdisciplinary collaboration, focusing on the integration of ethical practices in patient care 5.

Furthermore, regular evaluations and feedback are integral components of the residency experience, ensuring residents are well-prepared for independent practices in pediatric radiology upon completion 1.

Life in Los Angeles

Living in Los Angeles provides a unique blend of urban culture, recreational opportunities, and scenic surroundings. Residents can explore diverse neighborhoods such as Westwood, Santa Monica, and Brentwood, which are all in proximity to the UCLA campus. The city’s culinary scene and various outdoor activities contribute to a vibrant lifestyle for residents 7.