UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center/Olive View Program

The UCLA Emergency Medicine (Ronald Reagan/Olive View) Residency Program offers a comprehensive and diverse medical education, emphasizing a broad range of clinical experiences. The program is structured around a liberal arts approach, which includes 20 weeks of elective time for residents to explore various interests and gain expertise in subspecialties of Emergency Medicine. This educational framework is supported by a mentorship system that connects residents with experienced alumni across different pathways, such as medical education, critical care, administration, toxicology, and ultrasound.

Residents primarily train at three main clinical sites: Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center (a Level 1 Trauma Center), Olive View UCLA Medical Center (a county hospital), and Antelope Valley Medical Center (a busy community hospital). This variety of training locations exposes residents to different patient populations and a wide array of medical conditions, preparing graduates to handle diverse clinical scenarios effectively. The integration of high-volume emergency departments ensures residents are well equipped for any environment upon graduation 1.

Clinical Curriculum

The residency program comprises a structured four-year curriculum broken down into focused years of training. The first year (R1) involves an "Intern Bootcamp" to acclimate new interns and comprises a total of 26 weeks in the Emergency Department. Interns participate in core rotations that complement their emergency medicine training, including opportunities in pediatrics, critical care, and obstetrics 3.

As residents progress to their second year (R2), the emphasis shifts towards advanced procedural skills and managing critically ill patients while serving in leadership roles during resuscitations. R2s also engage with social determinants of health through specialized rotations. The significant training experience at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles further enhances pediatric emergency care skills 4.

By the third year (R3), residents consolidate their expertise in Emergency Medicine, assuming mentorship roles for junior residents and focusing on complex clinical scenarios, which include toxicology and enhanced pediatric training 5. Finally, the fourth year (R4) allows residents to practice in supervisory roles, undertaking electives that cater to personal interests, which could encompass international rotation opportunities 6.

Didactic Curriculum

The didactic aspects of the program emphasize varied and engaging learning methodologies. Weekly protected conferences allow residents to engage in simulations, workshops, and journal clubs to deepen their understanding of emergency medicine literature 7. Orientation initiatives structured to support each class are supplemented with hands-on learning from skilled faculty, ensuring that residents not only learn critical concepts but also how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

Research and Global Health Opportunities

The program encourages residents to actively engage in research, leveraging the resources of UCLA, a leading academic institution. Residents have access to a vast network for pursuing scholarly activities, further fueled by the program's commitment to international health initiatives. Multiple faculty members lead impressive global health projects, allowing residents to participate in emergency medicine training across varied international locations. Such experiences provide valuable exposure to different healthcare systems and practices 8.

Resident Benefits and Wellness

UCLA Emergency Medicine Residency believes in holistic support for its residents, offering competitive compensation and a rich benefits package. Residents receive a structured salary reflecting their roles while having access to comprehensive healthcare benefits, including health, dental, and mental health resources 2.

In addition to conference attendance, the program prioritizes wellness with regular social events, retreats, and a dedicated wellness committee. Opportunities for peer mentorship and career guidance are available through structured meetings with designated program directors and faculty 6.

Application Process and Support for International Medical Graduates

The residency program is known for being competitive, typically favoring both MD and DO candidates. International medical graduates (IMGs) are also welcomed to apply, with no specific limitations on the number of attempts at Step exams, facilitating access for a diverse range of applicants. The program also provides visa support for international applicants, sponsoring J-1 and H-1B visas 1.

Living in Los Angeles

Residents enjoy an enriching personal life in Los Angeles, benefiting from a vibrant cultural scene, diverse culinary options, and numerous outdoor recreational activities. The city’s favorable climate allows for year-round activities, from hiking to beach outings, providing a balanced lifestyle alongside rigorous training 9.