University of California Davis Health Program

Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship at UC Davis Health offers a 12-month ACGME-accredited program aimed to cultivate the next generation of Pediatric Anesthesiologists through a rigorous training that balances clinical practice, didactic learning, and research involvement.

Fellowship Overview

The program is structured to provide advanced training in pediatric anesthesiology, emphasizing both clinical skills and medical knowledge necessary to excel as perioperative consultants. With a limited number of fellows each year, the fellowship allows for personalized training experiences tailored to each fellow's career goals and interests 1.

Clinical Experience

Fellows complete rotations across all pediatric surgical specialties, encapsulated in 13 four-week blocks. The program includes dedicated time in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and consistent exposure to congenital cardiac anesthesia, requiring fellows to engage with cardiac cases throughout the year, even outside officially assigned rotations. The fellowship ensures fellows are well-prepared for crisis management and clinical reasoning throughout their training 5.

Didactic and Scholarly Activities

The educational framework of the fellowship incorporates a weekly lecture series, journal clubs, grand rounds, and mentorship for leading residency lectures. A key requirement is the completion of a scholarly project, with opportunities for mentorship from faculty members through frequent meetings to guide research efforts and enhance academic contributions 8. Past projects include journal articles and case reports, which are integral to the fellows' development.

Training Environment

UC Davis Children’s Hospital is recognized as a comprehensive Level 1 facility for pediatric care, providing fellows with access to an extensive patient population and diverse clinical cases 1. The configuration of the Children's Surgery Center includes 6 operating rooms and a complete pediatric emergency department, ensuring a dynamic and resource-rich training environment 4.

Salary and Benefits

The fellowship offers competitive salary and benefits that foster a positive workplace atmosphere. Specific details regarding the financial compensation and additional benefits, such as vacation days and professional development, are provided during the application process 10.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must register via the SF Match Central Application Service, submit three letters of recommendation, and provide a personal statement addressing specific criteria, such as motivations for pursuing a career in pediatric anesthesiology. Eligibility prerequisites include passing scores on the USMLE or COMLEX examinations and completion of an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency 9.

Visa Support

The program is committed to supporting international medical graduates. They typically sponsor J-1 visas for qualified fellows as part of their training.

Competitiveness

The Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship’s application process is highly competitive, welcoming both DO and IMG candidates. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate their commitment through relevant experiences and a well-crafted personal statement.

Living in Sacramento

Sacramento, renowned for its vibrant culture and outdoor recreational opportunities, offers fellows a supportive environment to balance work and life. The city is characterized by its outstanding farm-to-fork culinary scene, numerous parks, and proximity to natural wonders like Lake Tahoe and Yosemite National Park, making it an attractive location for both professional and personal growth 8.