University of California Davis Health Program

The UC Davis Emergency Medicine residency program is an allopathic, three-year, university-based program located in Sacramento, California. It is dedicated to training emergency physicians who are committed to providing compassionate, state-of-the-art emergency care and who will advance the field of emergency medicine throughout their careers. The program’s vision includes producing clinicians, educators, and researchers who will contribute to the future of emergency medicine.

The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), and upon graduation, residents are eligible for board certification by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM). The emphasis on wellness within the culture fosters personal resiliency, professional fulfillment, and long-term career sustainability for its residents, fellows, and faculty.

Mission and Aims

The mission of the program is to ensure that graduates are fully prepared to operate in various clinical settings, whether academic, community-based, or managed care environments. Graduates will master advanced airway management, develop lifelong learning behaviors, and gain the professional skills necessary to excel in leadership roles.

Integral to the program is the assurance that all residents treat their patients and colleagues with respect, dignity, and compassion. Moreover, residents will refine their time and practice management skills alongside strategies for personal well-being, enabling them to provide excellent clinical care throughout their careers.

Clinical Education

The clinical curriculum is structured to build clinical competence across a wide range of Emergency Medicine scenarios. Rotations include the Medical ICU, Surgical ICU, Pediatric ED, Anesthesia, and others, making use of a multi-site program to select optimal educational locations for specific experiences. This design ensures residents receive comprehensive training in a variety of high-quality clinical environments.

Yearly evaluations of the curriculum by residents and faculty ensure that educational goals are met and adjustments are made as needed, allowing residents to assume progressively more significant responsibilities under the supervision of experienced Emergency Medicine attending physicians.

Didactic Conference

Residents engage in a rigorous academic schedule, dedicating at least five hours weekly to academic conferences that encompass grand rounds, morbidity and mortality discussions, and simulation training. This interactive learning format is not only facilitated by faculty but also encourages resident participation in teaching and public speaking, sharpening their educational skills for the future.

Research Opportunities

The UC Davis Department of Emergency Medicine is recognized nationally for its substantial NIH research funding. During residency, exposure to research methodologies is emphasized, allowing residents to engage in clinical research and quality improvement initiatives. The resident scholarly project, which is presented in the senior year, may focus on clinical research, providing significant opportunities for residents aiming for careers in academic Emergency Medicine.

Global Health Area of Distinction

The program offers a Global Health Area of Distinction and Certificate program, aimed at enhancing residents' understanding of global health issues. This longitudinal program combines synchronous and asynchronous curricula, as well as fieldwork at either an affiliated site or a trainee-chosen location. Completing this program equips residents with essential competencies for addressing emerging global health challenges.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The UC Davis Emergency Medicine residency is characterized as highly competitive and is known to be friendly to DO and IMG applicants. The program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and strictly adheres to the guidelines provided. Applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) by the stated deadline, which is typically November 1. A completed application must include three letters of recommendation, a dean's letter, medical school transcripts, and scores from either USMLE or COMLEX exams.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support and can sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates as part of its commitment to building a diverse resident cohort.

Resident Life

Life as a resident at UC Davis is dynamic and engaging, with numerous social events and activities that promote camaraderie. Residents participate in community events, volunteer together, and actively support each other in both professional and personal endeavors.