University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The University of California San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine offers an esteemed Rheumatology Fellowship Program within its Division of Rheumatology, Autoimmunity, and Inflammation. This fellowship is part of the institution's renowned Graduate Medical Education system and is designed for physicians who have completed three years of internal medicine residency (PGY 1-3) before commencing the rheumatology training.

This program provides several training tracks, all culminating in a two-year ACGME-accredited training cycle that confers eligibility for board certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) in Rheumatology.

Training Tracks

Clinical Practice or Academic Clinician Scholar Track

The first training option offered by the program is the two-year Clinical Practice or Academic Clinician Scholar Track. This track is designed for individuals aiming for a career either in clinical practice or as an academic clinician scholar, maintaining an extensive focus on creating board-eligible rheumatologists after completing the two years of fellowship.

Clinical-Translational Research Training Track

There is also a 3-Year Clinical-Translational Research Training Track. Fellows in this track will still achieve board eligibility after two years and engage closely with clinical training activities, often in conjunction with an NIH T32-supported training program that allows a dedicated third year for research and scholarly activity.

Basic Research Training Track

For fellows interested in research, the 3-Year Basic Research Training Track is available. This track emphasizes clinical training alongside scholarly activities and often culminates in an NIH T32-supported third year. Trainees can integrate this track with the UC San Diego Physician Scientist Training Pathway, which offers specialized training courses in research ethics and grantsmanship.

Clinical Experience

Fellows benefit from highly diverse clinical experiences that incorporate both inpatient and outpatient settings. The outpatient continuity clinics operate at three different sites—UC San Diego Health Medical Center, UC San Diego Health Perlman Medical Offices, and Rady Children’s Hospital Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic. Additionally, fellows will engage in inpatient rotations within rheumatology and consult services and will frequently rotate through elective areas such as endocrine/metabolic bone disease and dermatology/rheumatology clinics.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program supports a robust research environment backed by NIH-funded initiatives, particularly the T32 training program in rheumatic diseases. Trainees can engage in various areas, including clinical-translational research in immune modulation, clinical trial methodology, and clinical epidemiology. There are further options to pursue advanced degrees like a Masters of Advanced Studies (MAS) or Masters of Public Health (MPH), in collaboration with the San Diego State University School of Public Health.

Conferences and Teaching

Weekly grand rounds and case conferences are a staple of the educational experience, complemented by teaching rounds and specific conferences focusing on the core curriculum of rheumatology and its pathophysiology. The program has consistently maintained an extraordinary first-time pass rate of 100% for fellows sitting for the board examinations.

Application Process

Applicants must submit a comprehensive application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), which includes three letters of recommendation, a Dean's Letter/MSPE, transcripts, and other supporting credentials. Additional application requirements may include clarity on visa sponsorship possibilities.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship support for international medical graduates, typically handling J-1 and H-1B visa types. This dedicated framework ensures that international candidates can successfully apply and participate in the fellowship program.

Competitiveness

The fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting candidates from a global pool of internal medicine residents. The program is regarded as friendly to both DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) and IMG (International Medical Graduate) applicants, with significant consideration given to the diversity of experiences and backgrounds among applicants.