University of California Davis Health Program

The Rheumatology and Allergy Fellowship Program at UC Davis Health offers a comprehensive training environment designed to cultivate the next generation of competent and compassionate rheumatologists. The program emphasizes a blend of academic excellence, community engagement, and leadership in service to diverse patient populations.

One of the foundational aspects of the program's mission is to train clinicians who possess excellent procedural skills and a deep understanding of rheumatologic conditions, aimed particularly at serving the underserved populations in the local community. This commitment to service is woven into the fabric of the program, fostering an environment where fellows learn to prioritize patient welfare alongside community health initiatives.

Program Aims

The aims of the Rheumatology fellowship include:

• Creating an educational environment that promotes intellectual growth.
• Offering structural flexibility for fellows to pursue career-specific skill development.
• Providing a social and academic milieu that enriches the fellowship training.
• Equipping trainees with essential backgrounds for successful clinical careers.
• Enabling exposure to basic science and biomedical research related to autoimmune diseases.

Diverse Clinical Experience

Fellows participate in diverse clinical experiences across various renowned sites, including the UC Davis Medical Center, the VA hospital, and numerous satellite clinics. Serving a population of approximately 5 million, trainees gain considerable exposure to a variety of complex cases in both inpatient and outpatient settings, which enhances their clinical knowledge and practical skills.

Application Procedure

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Be board-eligible or certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
• Complete at least three years of full-time training in Internal Medicine in an accredited program.
• Hold U.S. or Canadian citizenship or have J-1 visa status.
• Foreign graduates must possess a valid ECFMG certificate.

Additionally, applicants are required to submit:

• An ERAS application.
• Three letters of recommendation, including at least one from a division head or department chair.
• A copy of the Dean's letter, while transcripts are not necessary.

The program's application deadline is August 15 each year. Eligible candidates will be invited for personal interviews, generally lasting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., where they will engage with faculty members and current fellows to discuss the program’s goals and philosophies.

Visa Support

The Rheumatology and Allergy Fellowship Program provides support for visa processing, particularly for international medical graduates requiring a J-1 visa. This facilitates the application process for foreign candidates while ensuring that they meet the necessary licensing requirements to join the program.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is known to be competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants, including those from U.S. medical schools and international graduates. The program values diversity and inclusion, encouraging candidates from varied backgrounds to apply, thereby enriching the fellowship experience through diverse perspectives and experiences.

Unique Aspects of the Program

UC Davis Health prides itself on its commitment to lifelong learning and the continual adaptation of teaching methodologies to meet the evolving landscape of medical knowledge. This focus not only enhances clinical competencies but also prepares fellows for future challenges in rheumatology practice.

Living in Sacramento

The program is set against the backdrop of Sacramento, a vibrant city that offers a plethora of dining, recreational, and cultural activities. The region’s family-friendly environment and outdoor opportunities provide a balanced lifestyle for fellows during their training.