University of California Davis Health Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at UC Davis Health is an ACGME-accredited three-year program designed to train future leaders in the field of pediatric critical care. The program offers an extensive clinical and research curriculum aimed at equipping fellows with the necessary knowledge and skills required for high-quality patient care and academic contributions.

Clinical Training Environment

Fellows engage in training primarily at UC Davis Children’s Hospital, which is the only nationally-ranked comprehensive hospital for children in the region. The pediatric and cardiac intensive care unit (PICU/PCICU) is a state-of-the-art facility that encompasses 24 beds and provides care for over 1,600 critically ill infants, children, and adolescents annually. This environment supports a vibrant educational atmosphere, where fellows benefit from interactions with a diverse and dedicated faculty committed to teaching and mentorship 1.

Curriculum and Research

The fellowship incorporates rigorous scholarly work which is supported by experienced faculty from the outset. Fellows can engage in various forms of research, including traditional studies and quality improvement initiatives. Regular conferences enhance the overall learning experience, covering critical topics pertinent to pediatric critical care medicine 1.

Research Participation

Fellows participate in the Introduction to Clinical Research course during their training, aimed at providing foundational educational experiences in research methodologies essential for future careers in pediatric critical care. Additionally, fellows have access to resources at the Clinical and Translational Science Center, facilitating the pursuit of various research opportunities 7.

Rotations and Specialized Training

The fellowship provides clinical training through a structured schedule divided into 4-week rotations. Fellows will primarily rotate through the UC Davis PICU/PCICU, supplemented by rotations in areas such as anesthesiology, critical care transport, and other specialized fields including burn care and palliative care 2. A detailed training schedule ensures that fellows obtain extensive experience in managing critically ill pediatric patients in diverse medical contexts.

Program Highlights

• Collaboration with Shriner’s Hospital for specialized orthopedic care and burn ICU rotations.
• Active pediatric ECMO management, particularly in neonates.
• Involvement in a busy trauma service at the region's sole Level I pediatric trauma center.
• The pediatric Heart Center, which handles approximately 100 cardiac surgeries annually.
• Access to the first American College of Surgeons verified Level I Children’s Surgery Center on the West Coast.
• State-of-the-art simulation-based training at the Center for Simulation and Education Enhancement.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for this fellowship is contingent upon eligibility requirements prescribed by the ACGME and the American Board of Pediatrics (ABP). Applicants should possess board eligibility or certification in Pediatrics or Internal Medicine-Pediatrics, must have ECFMG certification (if applicable), and should successfully complete the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) application. The application must include at least three letters of recommendation, transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores 3.

Visa Support

International medical graduates applying for the fellowship must secure a clinical J-1 visa, which is sponsored by the ECFMG. This visa mandates passing USMLE Steps 1 and 2. This program supports visa types such as J-1 for international fellows, however, applicants on a J-1 visa with a waiver must adhere to specific guidelines and may be accepted under an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) or J-1 visa Physician Program 4.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is considered highly competitive. It invites applications from graduates with a strong background in pediatrics, including those from international medical institutions. The program is open to both MD and DO candidates, making it an inclusive option for various graduates 5.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

The program emphasizes diversity, health equity, and inclusion in training. This commitment is reflected through various didactic and practical experiences that aim to enrich the fellows' understanding of pediatric health and equity challenges within the Sacramento region 6.