University of California Riverside School of Medicine/St. Bernardine Medical Center – Dignity Health Program

The Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine and St. Bernardine Medical Center is a comprehensive two-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This fellowship is designed for candidates who have already completed residency training in internal medicine or emergency medicine. Select applicants may also be considered for a one-year track if they have completed an internal medicine subspecialty fellowship. The program's objective is to develop skilled and compassionate physicians capable of providing high-quality care to critically ill patients, particularly in underserved populations.

Based primarily at St. Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino, California, the fellowship allows fellows to gain extensive clinical experience in critical care medicine. The medical center is notable for its dedication to serving a diverse community; this aspect of the program aligns with its mission to deliver equitable healthcare across all populations. Experienced faculty members guide the fellows through various aspects of critical care practice, encompassing specialties like anesthesia, cardiology, emergency medicine, internal medicine, pulmonology, and surgery.

Curriculum Overview

The program curriculum is structured to provide a rigorous training experience that includes diverse clinical rotations, didactic sessions, and hands-on procedural training. Fellowships highlight multidisciplinary care, critical care ethics and decision-making, intensive care unit (ICU) management, and quality improvement initiatives. Specific rotations may include exposure to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) and surgical intensive care unit (SICU), which offer opportunities to manage high-acuity patients and develop procedural competency.

Rotations and Training Sites

Fellows will rotate through various healthcare facilities and ICUs, including:

• St. Bernardine Medical Center: A 427-bed facility with a robust ICU and a significant volume of emergency department patients.
• St. John's Health Center: A center known for high acuity interactions, providing fellows with advanced medical exposure.
• Arrowhead Regional Medical Center: A level I trauma center and burn unit, offering unique training opportunities.
• San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital: A smaller community hospital providing individualized patient care.

Research and Quality Improvement

Research is an integral facet of the fellowship, with fellows expected to participate in quality improvement projects and case reports under faculty guidance. The emphasis on research aims to enhance their understanding of evidence-based practice, and they work collaboratively with experienced mentors who possess expertise in diverse research areas.

Conference and Education Schedule

The fellowship offers a rich educational experience with opportunities to participate in daily multidisciplinary rounds, weekly conferences, journal clubs, grand rounds, and various simulation-based educational modules. This combination enhances learning and teamwork among fellows and other healthcare providers, promoting a comprehensive understanding of critical care medicine.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is international medical graduate (IMG) friendly and provides necessary visa support for non-U.S. citizens. The types of visas sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, which are commonly required by international fellows pursuing training in the United States. The competitiveness of the program reflects its high standards, making it a desirable option for candidates wishing to further their medical education in a critical care environment.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship must meet specific requirements, including having completed residency training in an applicable field. Applications are accepted only via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and submission of a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores is necessary. The program is highly regarded, making it competitive for residency graduates seeking fellowship opportunities.