University of California (San Diego) Medical Center Program

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship at the University of California San Diego Medical Center in La Jolla is an intensive 5+2 year program designed to train general surgeons to specialize in vascular surgery. This program is accredited by the ACGME and focuses on instilling essential knowledge, skills, clinical judgment, and professional attitudes necessary for competence in vascular surgery. Graduates will emerge as leaders in the field, capable of contributing to academic vascular surgery or community practice.

The fellowship curriculum is structured to deliver foundational education on vascular diseases. Fellows will receive diverse clinical exposure, enabling them to foster both cognitive and technical skills that are pivotal for vascular surgery. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical maturity and evidence-based surgical judgment when managing vascular patients, preparing fellows to compete effectively for leading positions in both academic and community settings.

Training Sites

Fellows in this program will gain practical experience at several state-of-the-art facilities:

• Sulpizio Cardiovascular Center, La Jolla: This center is a tertiary referral facility dedicated to the management of vascular, cardiac, and thoracic conditions. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
• La Jolla Veterans Affairs Medical Center: This facility has a capacity of 250 beds and is known for its busy vascular (Gold Surgery) and cardiothoracic surgery programs, handling around 350 vascular procedures annually.
• Scripps Green Hospital: With 173 beds, this teaching hospital is consistently ranked among the top 100 hospitals in America. It offers a robust vascular laboratory supervised by vascular surgery and neurology professionals.
• Kaiser Permanente Zion Medical Center: A 368-bed facility with an accredited vascular laboratory that manages 1,100 to 1,200 procedures annually, including over 100 endovascular aortic repairs.

During their training, fellows will be involved in various aspects of vascular disease management, including but not limited to vascular trauma and pediatric vascular conditions.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a vital component of training. Fellows will have opportunities to lead and participate in clinical trials, enhancing their skills in both practical and academic applications of vascular surgery. They will also be exposed to various funding opportunities for research, fostering an environment of innovation and scientific inquiry.

Visa Support

The fellowship program supports visa applications for international medical graduates and can sponsor J-1 or H-1B visas, making it accessible for a diverse range of applicants. Potential fellows are encouraged to inquire about specific requirements and support for visa-related processes as part of their application.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Vascular Surgery Fellowship at UC San Diego is known for its competitive nature, appealing to both U.S. Medical Graduates (USMG) and International Medical Graduates (IMG). Applicants must hold a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or equivalent degree, and certain prerequisites related to graduation years or performance on board examinations may apply. Successful candidates typically demonstrate noteworthy academic achievements, research involvement, and relevant clinical experiences.

Overall, this fellowship program aims to develop specialists and leaders who are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of vascular surgery in various practice environments.