University of California Davis Health Program

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship at UC Davis Health is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to develop skilled clinicians, teachers, and researchers in the field of sleep medicine. Each year, the program accepts one fellow, offering a unique opportunity to engage in an interdisciplinary approach to sleep medicine that incorporates various medical specialties.

The fellowship focuses on training physicians from diverse backgrounds, reflecting the multidisciplinary nature of sleep disorders. The program's faculty consists of specialists from pulmonary medicine, neurology, psychiatry, pediatrics, ENT (ear, nose, and throat), and dentistry, providing a comprehensive educational experience that prepares fellows to manage a wide range of sleep disorders in a diverse patient population.

Fellows at UC Davis Health benefit from an extensive network of affiliated facilities, hospitals, and universities, which enriches their experience through a variety of elective opportunities. This collaboration enhances their exposure to different healthcare systems and the business aspects of medicine, aiding their professional development.

Research Opportunities

During the fellowship year, participants are encouraged to engage in research projects that allow them to explore innovative concepts in sleep medicine. Since the program’s inception in 2007, fellows have achieved a 100% pass rate on the Sleep Medicine Boards and maintained a remarkable acceptance rate for abstracts, posters, and manuscripts submitted to national meetings and journals 1.

Program Aims

The goals of the fellowship program include:

• Recruiting highly competitive trainees from various specialty backgrounds to enhance clinical expertise in sleep medicine.
• Preparing graduates to become educators and leaders in sleep medicine.
• Creating a supportive environment that promotes physician wellness and fosters diversity.

Training and Clinical Rotations

The fellowship program offers extensive clinical training across various components of sleep medicine, ensuring that trainees develop strong competencies required for effective practice. The broad array of clinical settings provides fellows with the necessary exposure to different methodologies and management strategies used in sleep medicine 1.

Living in Sacramento

Fellows in this program enjoy living in Sacramento, a city that offers a rich array of recreational activities, dining options, and family-friendly events. The environment contributes positively to their professional and personal experiences, making for a well-rounded life during the fellowship year.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates seeking to apply. The types of visas that can be supported include J-1 and H-1B visa types, which are commonly utilized for educational and professional training within the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Sleep Medicine Fellowship is considered competitive, accepting fellows from diverse medical backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as being a graduate of an accredited medical school and fulfilling prerequisite residency training. There may also be particular limits on failed STEP exam attempts, ensuring that candidates reflect strong academic performance in their applications.

The program aims to recruit individuals who will excel in the field of sleep medicine, making it essential for applicants to demonstrate both academic and clinical capabilities.

Commitment to Diversity

In alignment with the UC Davis Principles of Community, the program is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and intellectually vibrant learning environment. It recognizes the value of diversity in creating innovative solutions and promoting a positive culture within the medical field 1.