University of California Davis Health Program

The Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship Program at UC Davis Health is designed to cultivate highly skilled transfusion medicine physicians. The program focuses on patient-centered care, effective education, regulatory compliance, and scholarship in the field of transfusion medicine. Given its mission to enhance the health of all Californians, the fellowship provides a comprehensive exposure to state-of-the-art transfusion medicine practices in the greater Sacramento region, ultimately aiming to produce proficient specialists who can meet the diverse needs of the population.

Program Objectives

The fellowship's core objectives include:

• Providing fellows with exposure to a wide array of diseases encountered in transfusion medicine.
• Engaging fellows with a diverse patient population to enhance their clinical skills.
• Offering a multitude of teaching opportunities that foster educational development.
• Promoting collaboration with both physician and non-physician staff.
• Ensuring participation in scholarly activities relevant to transfusion medicine.
• Encouraging involvement in quality improvement initiatives within the field.

Clinical Rotations

The structure of the fellowship includes various clinical rotations designed to provide in-depth practical experience:

• Transfusion Services Rotation: Lasting approximately 10 months, this rotation entails alternating weekly responsibilities in both apheresis and blood bank services. This also includes periodic rotations through specialized clinics such as the hemophilia/thrombophilia clinic.
• Stanford Health Care and Stanford Blood Center: Lasts about 3 weeks and focuses on enhancing knowledge in immunohematology, blood donor care, and blood product manufacturing.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Fellows will have dedicated time (1 month) for scholarly activity, emphasizing the importance of research and academic contributions to the field of transfusion medicine.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for the program, candidates must be board-eligible or board-certified in clinical pathology, hematology, or anesthesiology at the time of fellowship commencement. Other clinical specialties may be reviewed on an individual basis.

Application Process

Currently, the program is accepting applications for the fellowship years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027. The application process includes:

• A completed CV.
• The CAP standardized application form.
• A personal statement or letter of intent.
• Three letters of recommendation (with at least one from a Residency Program Director).

It is important to note that original recommendation letters do not need to be mailed physically if sent via email directly from the authors or program coordinators.

Applications must be submitted to the Fellowship Program Coordinator, including no gaps of time, whether professional or personal. All materials should be directed to the fellowship program email.

Visa Support

The Blood Banking/Transfusion Medicine Fellowship Program provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, accommodating individuals seeking United States J-1 or H-1B visas to ensure a diverse intake of fellows.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is considered competitive, welcoming both Domestic and International Medical Graduates (IMGs). Its focus on cultivating a diverse learning environment aids in the development of well-rounded clinicians capable of serving varied patient populations.