University of California (Irvine) Program

The Craniofacial Pediatric Plastic Surgery Fellowship at the University of California, Irvine is a one-year program designed to provide comprehensive training in all aspects of pediatric plastic surgery. This fellowship is unique in that it takes place at the only quaternary care, level-one trauma hospitals in Orange County, California, specifically the UCI Medical Center and CHOC Children’s Hospital. These institutions cater to a diverse population exceeding 3.5 million, ensuring that fellows gain extensive clinical experience.

During the fellowship, participants will work closely with eight core faculty members who offer deep expertise in craniofacial and pediatric plastic surgery. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing fellows to integrate into multiple specialized clinics. In addition to five plastic surgeons, the core faculty includes a fellowship-trained craniofacial orthodontist, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMFS), and a craniofacial neurosurgeon. This diverse team provides a wealth of knowledge and hands-on training in critical areas such as NasoAlveolar Molding (NAM), virtual surgical planning, and minimally invasive intracranial approaches 1.

Fellows have the opportunity to explore personal interests within the program’s framework, engaging with faculty members who focus on facial reanimation, rhinoplasty, neuroplastic reconstruction, complex facial trauma, migraine surgery, gender affirming surgery, microsurgical oncologic reconstruction, and congenital extremity reconstruction. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on microsurgical techniques, with these skills being integrated throughout the fellowship.1

The program also provides significant support for research endeavors. The UCI Department of Plastic Surgery’s Center for Tissue Engineering represents a vibrant hub for basic science and translational research. Here, numerous craniofacial studies are actively pursued, backed by substantial extramural funding. Clinical research coordinators are available to assist fellows in navigating the research process, from obtaining IRB approvals to manuscript preparation. Active research topics include novel resorbable craniofacial implants, applications of AI and XR technologies, patient-reported psychosocial outcomes, and sustainable surgical practices 1.

Financially, fellows are offered a salary and benefits at the PGY-7 level, alongside additional funding intended to support conference attendance, workshop training, research publications, and participation in international outreach projects. The fellowship places a particular focus on establishing collaborative partnerships globally, nurturing a two-way exchange of knowledge and skills. Fellowships also present opportunities to engage in international clinical and academic outreach, working alongside several UCI/Global Smile Foundation International Research Fellows 1.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants interested in the fellowship should be aware that it is a highly competitive program, attracting candidates with diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants. The program has specific application criteria which include completion of all prerequisite plastic surgery training and holding an active medical license. Aspiring fellows may also find favorable consideration if they have not faced significant setbacks in examinations, such as the STEP exams 2.

For the application process, the program exclusively accepts a plastic surgery-specific application known as the Plastic Surgery Common Application (PSCA). This initiative aims to simplify the application process while reducing costs associated with applying to residency programs. Applicants are encouraged to create a secure account within the PSCA portal to facilitate the gathering of letters of recommendation and other necessary documentation 2.

Visa Support

International medical graduates wishing to apply for the fellowship may find that the program offers visa sponsorship for suitable candidates. Typically, the program may support J-1 or H-1B visas, which allows international fellows to participate in training while fulfilling their educational and professional aspirations in the United States. This facilitation of visa sponsorship enhances the program’s appeal to a wide array of talented candidates globally 1.

Research Opportunities

The research environment within the fellowship is robust and dynamic. The Center for Tissue Engineering leads innovative projects that involve cutting-edge techniques and collaborations with biomedical engineers. Key research projects include a focus on adipose derived stem cells, the development of new medical devices, and improvement in wound healing techniques. This emphasis on research is a distinguishing feature of the fellowship, providing fellows with valuable opportunities to engage in meaningful scientific work while completing their clinical training 4.