University of California Davis Health Program
Location:
Sacramento, CASpecialty:
Regional anesthesiology and acute pain medicineACGME Code:
0460504007The Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine Fellowship at UC Davis Medical Center is an ACGME-accredited program designed to equip fellows with the essential knowledge and skills to become proficient in regional anesthesia and acute pain management. This one-year fellowship includes a comprehensive curriculum that covers advanced regional anesthesia techniques, catheter placements, pain management strategies, and clinical research opportunities.
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship spans 12 months, comprising 13 four-week rotations. The fellows will spend substantial time on the acute pain service, engaging in clinical activities, which includes performing approximately 4,000 peripheral nerve blocks and managing a busy inpatient service. The rotations are diversified, covering not just the main operating room but also an orthopedic-focused outpatient surgery center and pediatric surgery at UC Davis Children’s Hospital.
This comprehensive exposure ensures that fellows master a variety of techniques including upper extremity, lower extremity, abdominal truncal, and posterior thorax anesthesia, utilizing both ultrasound guidance and traditional methods. The fellowship also emphasizes point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), enabling fellows to develop competencies that are becoming increasingly essential in the field.
The average inpatient acute pain census is around 10 to 15 patients per day, where fellows have the opportunity to coordinate pain management across various surgical departments.
Clinical Experience
The program boasts an intensive clinical experience with a dedicated focus on regional anesthesia. Fellows will engage with multidisciplinary teams, honing leadership skills necessary for managing an acute pain service. There is also significant emphasis placed on teaching residents, promoting an environment of educational engagement.
Moreover, fellows will actively participate in an in-depth didactic program that includes weekly lectures from acute pain faculty covering a range of essential topics related to regional anesthesia and pain management. This involves a blend of lectures, hands-on workshops, and article discussions, thus fostering an enriching scholarly environment.
Research Opportunities
Fellows are encouraged to embark on scholarly activities, contributing to research projects that may lead to presentations at various national meetings such as the ASA and ASRA. The fellowship provides allocated non-clinical days specifically for this purpose, emphasizing the importance of research in advancing the field.
Throughout the fellowship, fellows will also benefit from comprehensive faculty mentorship. The faculty consists of eight members with extensive fellowship training, providing guidance and support to enhance both clinical and academic pursuits.
Application Process and Competitiveness
To apply, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in anesthesiology. The program typically admits one fellow per year. The deadline for applications is set for March 28, 2025, with interviews scheduled for late spring 2025.
The fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, particularly for those seeking advanced training in regional anesthesia and acute pain medicine. Additionally, the program welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds, including DOs and international medical graduates (IMGs).
Visa Support
The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship, facilitating the entry of international medical graduates into this prestigious fellowship.
Salary and Benefits
The fellowship offers competitive compensation, with a PGY5 salary of approximately $90,473.03 annually, alongside additional benefits aimed at fostering a positive work environment.
Living in Sacramento
Fellows at UC Davis will also enjoy the lifestyle that Sacramento has to offer, known for its diverse culinary scene, vibrant outdoor activities, and rich cultural events. This aspect enhances the fellowship experience by providing a balanced lifestyle alongside rigorous clinical training.
Website
Director
Usha Saldanha, MDProgram Director; Regional Anesthesia and Acute Pain Medicine; Assistant Clinical Professor Appointed Since April 2023Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
55hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$94,996First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
8XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Sacramento, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Sacramento, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety: Sacramento has both safe and less safe neighborhoods. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in certain areas known for higher crime rates. Overall, it's advisable to stay informed about the safety of the specific neighborhood you choose to live in.
- Fun Activities: Sacramento offers a variety of outdoor activities due to its proximity to rivers, parks, and hiking trails. The city also has museums, art galleries, and a growing food scene. Additionally, it's home to the California State Fair and is near wine country.
- Climate: Sacramento has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Be prepared for hot temperatures during the summer months.
- Races and Population: Sacramento is a diverse city with a mix of different races and ethnicities among its population, contributing to a rich cultural experience.
- Education: Sacramento is home to several universities and colleges, providing opportunities for higher education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Sacramento is relatively high compared to other cities in California but is more affordable than some of the more expensive coastal cities.
- Proximity to Larger Cities: Sacramento is located about a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from San Francisco and is approximately 1 to 1.5 hours away from San Jose. You can easily explore larger metropolitan areas on weekends or during time off.
- Pros: Proximity to outdoor activities, diverse population, cultural attractions.
- Cons: Some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and the summers can be extremely hot.
Interview Questions
