University of California (Irvine) Program
Location:
Orange, CASpecialty:
Neonatal-perinatal medicineACGME Code:
3290531114The UCI/CHOC Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine Fellowship program is a prestigious three-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to equip physicians with an exceptional training experience in neonatology. This program collaborates closely with the Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC), ensuring that fellows receive a well-rounded education, comprehensive clinical training, and significant research opportunities tailored to their individual interests 1.
Graduates of the program are thoroughly prepared for careers in both academic and community-based Level IV clinical neonatology, benefiting from an extensive curriculum that emphasizes hands-on training, mentorship, and exposure to a variety of clinical settings 1.
Curriculum
The fellowship curriculum is meticulously designed to ensure that fellows gain essential knowledge and skills. A significant component includes protected didactic education, where half-days are dedicated to instructional activities every Wednesday. This schedule allows fellows to engage deeply in educational activities without the interruptions of clinical responsibilities 3.
Additional educational activities include:
- Case conferences
- Weekly neonatal radiology rounds
- Monthly morbidity and mortality conferences
- Quarterly regional conferences with other fellowships
- Combined perinatal pathology conferences
During the fellowship, clinical rotations are limited to a maximum of 14 months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) with three additional months allotted for elective rotations, which could include specialties like maternal-fetal medicine, cardiology, and cardiovascular intensive care 3.
Research Experience
Research is a crucial aspect of the program, with fellows working alongside assigned research mentors in clinical, applied, or bench research contexts. The program allocates 21 months of research training during the fellowship, with a specific arrangement to allow six call-free months so fellows can fully concentrate on their research projects. This focus on research not only enhances academic development but fosters innovation in clinical practices 3.
Training Locations
The program provides an enriching training environment through clinical rotations at three primary institutions:
- **UCI Medical Center**: The only high-risk academic center in Orange County, featuring a comprehensive maternal-neonatal clinical program.
- **Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)**: Offers state-of-the-art pediatric services with specialized neonatal care, including advanced technologies like ECMO and surgical NICU.
- **Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach**: Hosts the largest NICU on the West Coast, providing diverse patient populations and coordinated perinatal services.
Unique Features
One of the program's distinctive qualities is its personalized approach to training, allowing fellows to tailor their educational experiences according to their interests and career aspirations. This is complemented by the faculty's robust academic background, including board-certified neonatologists and pediatric surgeons 4. Furthermore, fellows gain access to modern educational resources, research funding stipends, and opportunities to engage in various clinical and quality improvement projects 3.
Visa Support
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, typically providing support for J-1 visas, enabling qualified candidates from outside the United States to participate in the fellowship program. This openness helps foster a diverse learning environment and allows the program to attract highly competitive candidates from worldwide medical backgrounds.
Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The UCI/CHOC Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine Fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, making it essential for applicants to present strong academic credentials and pertinent clinical experiences. Special application requirements may include restrictions on the number of failed STEP exams and year of graduation. Typically, a maximum of one failed STEP examination is considered acceptable. Applicants should possess completion of a pediatrics residency program and demonstrate a keen interest in perinatal medicine through research or clinical work experiences.
Fellow Testimonials
Current and former fellows emphasize the program's dedication to training the next generation of experts in neonatal medicine, highlighting experiences that balance clinical practice with research opportunities. Alumni have noted the program's strong sense of community and the supportive environment fostered by faculty and peers alike 6.
Overall, living in Orange County enhances the fellowship experience, offering a range of cultural and recreational activities, from beaches to mountains, contributing to a well-rounded lifestyle outside of demanding clinical and academic commitments 5.
Website
Director
Fayez M Bany-Mohammed, MDClinical Professor, Neonatology, Program Director - UCI Appointed Since February 2010Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$94,467First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1.6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Orange, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Orange, CA
Orange, CA is a city located in the heart of Orange County, known for its vibrant community and pleasant weather. Here's a breakdown of living in Orange, CA:
- Crime Rate and Safety: Orange, CA is considered a relatively safe city with a lower crime rate compared to neighboring areas. Residents generally feel safe walking around the city.
- Fun Activities: Orange offers a variety of activities, including exploring Old Towne Orange, visiting local parks, shopping at The Outlets at Orange, and enjoying nearby beaches like Newport Beach.
- Climate: Orange has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities year-round.
- Races and Population: The population of Orange is diverse, with a mix of various races and ethnicities, contributing to a rich cultural experience.
- Education: Orange is home to several educational institutions, including Chapman University, providing opportunities for learning and cultural events.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Orange is higher than the national average, especially in terms of housing. However, the quality of life and amenities in the area contribute to the value.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Orange is located approximately 30 minutes from Los Angeles and about 20 minutes from Anaheim. Both cities offer diverse cultural experiences, entertainment options, and career opportunities.
Pros: Pleasant weather, diverse community, proximity to major cities.
Cons: Higher cost of living, especially in housing.
Interview Questions
