University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program
Location:
San Diego, CASpecialty:
Neurocritical care (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5500518007The Neurocritical Care Program at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), is a multidisciplinary initiative that operates collaboratively among the departments of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery, and Anesthesiology. The program aims to provide specialized and comprehensive care for patients with critical neurological conditions.
Established in 2011, the program made UC San Diego the sole health system in the region equipped with dedicated neuro-ICU teams, available 24/7 to care for patients with severe brain and spinal cord injuries. With a team that includes board-certified neurointensivists, fellows, residents, nurse practitioners, and nursing staff, the program emphasizes subspecialized care across its hospitals located in La Jolla and Hillcrest.1
Curriculum and Clinical Training
The Neurocritical Care Fellowship at UCSD is an ACGME and UCNS-accredited program lasting 1-2 years, designed to cultivate leaders in neurocritical care. Each fellow undergoes rigorous training encompassing clinical management, education, administration, and research.4 The fellows receive an individualized curriculum that integrates clinical service with dedicated research time. This comprehensive training aims to equip fellows with skills applicable in both academic and community settings.
Clinical training is conducted at UCSD's multiple hospitals, which include Jacobs Medical Center and UC San Diego Medical Center-Hillcrest—recognized as Joint Commission accredited Comprehensive Stroke Centers, among other accolades. The program provides a unique training environment where fellows are actively involved in patient care, supported by an interdisciplinary team.4
Fellowship Program Details
The UC San Diego Neurocritical Care Fellowship offers 1-2 positions annually. Each fellow participates in diverse rotations, including neurosurgery, neurointerventional radiology, and critical care, ensuring thorough exposure to various aspects of neurocritical care.4
During the fellowship, significant emphasis is placed on mentorship and research participation, with dedicated time for didactic learning. Regular educational sessions are integrated into the program, covering essential topics required by accrediting bodies. Participation in national conferences is encouraged to foster professional networking and continued learning.
Research and Innovation
Research within the Neurocritical Care Program is robust, focusing on various areas including cerebral blood flow, delirium, sleep effects on neurological injuries, and quality improvement measures in neurocritical care.2 The faculty actively engages in national trials and collaboration via the NIH-funded Strategies to Innovate Emergency Care Clinical Trials Network (SIREN). This provides fellows and residents profound research experiences that can enrich their training.
Training Environment and Infrastructure
The training environment is entrenched in a state-of-the-art infrastructure, including dedicated Neuro-ICUs at Jacobs Medical Center and Hillcrest. These facilities are equipped to handle a wide range of critical neurological cases, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and post-operative care for neurosurgical patients.2
Faculty and Leadership
The faculty within the Neurocritical Care Program at UCSD comprises experienced neurointensivists with dual training in neurology and anesthesiology. They are dedicated to providing mentorship and support throughout the fellowship.3
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program welcomes applications from both domestic and international medical graduates. For international applicants, UCSD only accepts candidates with a J-1 visa status.4 There are specific eligibility criteria for fellowship applicants, including relevant postgraduate training and adherence to stringent application protocols.
Competitiveness and Ethical Standards
The Neurocritical Care Fellowship at UCSD is known to be competitive; however, it is also welcoming to DO and IMG candidates. The program evaluates candidates based on their overall qualifications, ensuring a diverse applicant pool that emphasizes continuous learning and professional development.4
Continuous Evaluation and Improvement
The UCSD Neurocritical Care Program continuously seeks to improve both their education and treatment protocols guided by established national guidelines and ongoing internal assessments.5
Website
Director
Navaz P Karanjia, MDProfessor of Neurosciences, Neurosurgery, and Anesthesiology Appointed Since August 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
60hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
24hrsFirst Year Salary:
-First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.3XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
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
