The Emergency Medicine Residency Program at UC San Diego Medical Center is a comprehensive four-year training scheme dedicated to cultivating future leaders in emergency medicine, focusing on academic and leadership development.
Program Overview
Since its inception in 1990, the program has developed into one of the leading emergency medicine training centers, admitting 12 residents annually for a total of 48 residents. The program prides itself on providing a diverse array of experiences in education, research, administration, advocacy, and numerous emergency medicine subspecialties. Residents will complete a mandatory independent research project and have the opportunity to serve as junior editors for the Journal of Emergency Medicine.
1Curriculum and Rotations
The residency structure encompasses varied rotations designed to expose residents to a broad spectrum of emergency medicine experiences across several hospital settings, including UCSD Medical Center - Hillcrest and UCSD Medical Center - La Jolla, Rady Children's Hospital, and Mercy Air for aeromedical training.
PGY Levels Overview
- PGY-I: Initial rotations cover critical care, trauma, and emergency medicine while ensuring exposure to pediatrics, obstetrics, and anesthesia.
- PGY-II: Residents advance their training with rotations through specialties like pulmonary critical care and ultrasound, as well as exposure to aeromedical flight training.
- PGY-III: Senior residents manage codes in the emergency department and take leadership roles during trauma codes, enhancing their decision-making skills.
- PGY-IV: This final year emphasizes clinical competency, teaching, and leadership with specific opportunities to tailor training through elective time.
Research and Professional Development
An integral part of the training includes mandatory research participation, along with the provision of mentorship for navigating academic pathways. Residents often engage in scholarly activities that promote professional growth and research dissemination.
3Conferences and Educational Activities
In addition to clinical training, emergency medicine conferences are held weekly, allowing residents to interact with nationally recognized speakers and participate in journal clubs and board reviews. Time is reserved from clinical duties for these essential educational activities.
4Data on Resident Wellbeing
The program emphasizes overall resident wellbeing, offering various initiatives such as engagement in wellness events, peer support, and significant opportunities for community activities and outdoor pursuits in San Diego, which fosters a supportive and encouraging environment.
5Diversity and Inclusion
The UC San Diego Emergency Medicine residency is committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through structured mentoring and initiatives, there is an active effort to support underrepresented healthcare professionals, thus enriching the training environment.
6Salary and Benefits
The UCSD residency program provides a competitive salary along with a $200 monthly food allowance, $750 per year for educational expenses, and a housing stipend. Benefits also include comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for residents and their dependents at no cost, as well as reimbursement for licensing fees and step examinations.
7Competitiveness and Application Requirements
The program is highly competitive, welcoming and valuing applicants from diverse backgrounds, including IMGs and DOs. The application process requires USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores, with at least three letters of recommendation, one being a Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE).
8Website
Director
Leslie C Oyama, MDResidency Program Director, Faculty Physician Appointed Since July 2017Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
48hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
$80,388First Year Paid Vacation:
28 daysFirst Year Paid Sick Leave:
12 daysTraining
Fellowship Rate:
30%Faculty to Residents Ratio:
1XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
J1YOG Cutoff:
5Match History
1049110C0
2024
12 of 122023
12 of 122022
12 of 122021
12 of 122020
12 of 12Location
San Diego, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in San Diego, CA
- Crime Rate and Safety: San Diego is relatively safe compared to other cities of its size. However, like any big city, it has its share of crime. It is essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
- Fun Activities: San Diego offers a wide range of activities from beautiful beaches, hiking trails, and cultural sites to a vibrant dining and nightlife scene. There are also numerous theme parks and museums to explore.
- Climate: San Diego is known for its pleasant year-round climate with mild winters and warm summers. The city enjoys an average of 266 sunny days per year, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Races and Population: San Diego is a diverse city with a mix of different cultures and ethnicities. It is home to a significant Hispanic and Asian population, among others.
- Education: San Diego is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering opportunities for continuing education and research. The city also has a strong public school system.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in San Diego is higher than the national average, primarily due to housing costs. However, it offers a high quality of life with access to beautiful natural surroundings.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: San Diego is approximately 2 hours from Los Angeles by car, making it easy to visit for a weekend getaway. Los Angeles offers a different experience with its urban sprawl, entertainment industry, and diverse neighborhoods.
- Pros: Beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, diverse culture, and proximity to major cities.
- Cons: Higher cost of living, traffic congestion in certain areas, and potential for natural disasters like wildfires.
Interview Questions
