University of California Davis Health Program

The UC Davis Neurocritical Care Fellowship Program aims to provide a comprehensive training experience in managing critically ill and neurocritically injured patients. This multidisciplinary fellowship is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills to handle various medical and surgical issues that neurointensivists face. The program integrates patient care, literature review, quality improvement, and research, reflecting a commitment to clinical excellence and academic rigor 1.

Program Overview

The UC Davis program operates in collaboration with the Departments of Neurological Surgery and Neurology and is accredited by the ACGME. The fellowship features three distinct tracks based on the fellow's prior educational background:

• 2-Year Traditional Post Residency Fellowship: For applicants who have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in specialties such as anesthesiology, neurology, emergency medicine, or child neurology.
• 1-Year Post Critical Care Fellowship Track: For those who have completed a fellowship with at least six months of critical care training.
• 1-Year Neurosurgery Fellowship Track: Intended for those who have completed an ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency or have a minimum of four years of postgraduate clinical training in neurosurgery.

The clinical training will primarily take place at the University of California, Davis Medical Center, integrating training in neurocritical care with experiences in general critical care.

Curriculum and Rotations

All fellowship tracks require rotations in neurocritical care, medical ICU, and various specialty ICUs, the structure of which will cater to the individual interests of the fellows. Specific elective opportunities vary by track:

• 2-Year Track Electives: Options include Cardiothoracic ICU, Neurosurgery Service, Trauma ICU, Acute Stroke Service, among others.
• 1-Year Track Electives: Options may include Neurology Service, Acute Stroke Service, and others specific to previous training.

This comprehensive training framework ensures that fellows develop proficiency in managing complex clinical cases while also receiving extensive procedural training.

Application Process

The fellowship position for July 2026 is accepting applications through the San Francisco Match process. Applicants must submit the following materials: a cover letter, a current CV, USMLE transcripts, and three recommendation letters. To be eligible for the Neurocritical Care Fellowship, candidates must hold an ACGME/AOA/RCPSC residency in eligible specialties or be enrolled in an ACGME residency in neurosurgery 1.

Visa Sponsorship

For international medical graduates, UC Davis Health offers sponsorship for J-1 Visas or Work Authorization permits. Notably, the program does not accept H1-B Visas, emphasizing the importance of understanding these requirements for non-US applicants 1.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The fellowship is considered highly competitive. Specific eligibility requires that applicants have completed their residency in the relevant specialties without a designated maximum for failed USMLE Step exams. However, eligibility for a California medical license is required for graduates of foreign medical colleges 1.

Research and Scholarly Activities

UC Davis places a significant emphasis on research throughout the fellowship. Fellows are encouraged to engage in scholarly activities, with the support of dedicated time for research and opportunities to attend national conferences to present their findings. UC Davis has established programs such as the R25 training grant to support research-oriented fellowships 1.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The program actively promotes an inclusive environment, encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply. Efforts to enhance diversity among residents are a priority, aiming to reflect the population's needs that they serve 1.

Living in Sacramento

Fellows will be immersed in the vibrant Sacramento community, known for its rich cultural offerings including dining, arts, and outdoor activities. As California's capital, Sacramento provides easy access to both urban amenities and natural beauty, offering an excellent quality of life for residents and fellows 1.

This fellowship is not just a training program; it is an opportunity to engage deeply with the field of neurocritical care in a supportive and enriching environment.