University of California (San Francisco) Program

The UCSF Adolescent Medicine Fellowship is an ACGME accredited three-year program that trains physicians to meet the eligibility criteria for Adolescent Medicine certification by the American Boards of Pediatrics, Internal Medicine, or Family Medicine. The major objective of the program is the development of regional, national, and international leaders in Adolescent Medicine. A multidisciplinary team of educators and mentors provides comprehensive training in clinical medicine, research, education, public policy, and quality improvement within the fellowship.

The curriculum emphasizes the need for expertise in managing the complex medical issues that adolescents and young adults face. As part of the fellowship, participants will manage care in the Adolescent & Young Adult Clinic, participate in the inpatient consultative service, and work on the inpatient eating disorder service. These rotations cover a variety of clinical settings, exposing fellows to a breadth of medical conditions including reproductive issues, substance abuse, sports medicine, mental health, and eating disorders. This comprehensive exposure prepares fellows to tackle various medical challenges typical in this population 1.

UCSF is notably recognized as the leading public recipient of NIH research funding for six consecutive years, which solidifies the program's commitment to rigorous research training. Fellows receive formal coursework through the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, alongside access to the Fellow’s College of the Department of Pediatrics. Research mentoring begins from day one, with progress overseen by the division and the Scholarship Oversight Committee. Fellows are encouraged and expected to present research findings at regional and national conferences and to publish their work in peer-reviewed journals 1.

Training Sites and Core Rotations

Core training experiences occur within various clinical environments, including the Adolescent & Young Adult Clinic and associated community-based electives. This wide-ranging exposure is vital for preparing fellows for the complexities of adolescent care. The program also highlights the importance of collaboration, with multidisciplinary faculty contributing expertise in pediatrics, psychiatry, public health, nutrition, and social work 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, and fellows are provided with opportunities to engage in projects that span from basic science to clinical applications. The program encourages fellows to explore existing frameworks for research while developing new interventions to improve adolescent health outcomes. Additionally, fellows have the option to work with associated faculty in specialized fields such as addiction medicine and sports medicine 1.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applications to the UCSF Adolescent Medicine Fellowship are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Interested candidates should submit a common MyERAS application form along with specific documents including a personal statement, curriculum vitae, four letters of recommendation (one from the program director or chair and one from the head of Adolescent Medicine), and board scores. The program accepts one to two fellows per year, making it a highly competitive program for applicants from accredited residency programs in Pediatrics, Family Medicine, and Internal Medicine 7.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must fulfill specific eligibility criteria including being an American citizen or a legal resident. However, other candidates may contact the administrators to determine their eligibility. It is important to note the program's focus on diversity and inclusion, aiming to recruit a varied group of fellows who can contribute to the program’s mission of enhancing adolescent care 7.

Visa Support

The UCSF Adolescent Medicine Fellowship offers visa support for qualified international medical graduates. The program typically sponsors J-1 visas, which allow for the educational experience necessary for those seeking to complete their fellowship training at UCSF. Early inquiries and clear communication regarding visa statuses are recommended during the application process to ensure all requirements are appropriately addressed 7.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The UCSF Adolescent Medicine Fellowship stands out due to its integration of public health perspectives alongside clinical training, emphasizing the social determinants of health and the specific challenges faced by adolescents today. The program's multidisciplinary approach not only prepares fellows for clinical practice but positions them as future leaders equipped to drive policy changes in adolescent health care 1. Additionally, the faculty's national and international recognition in various specialties provides fellows with mentorship and guidance to achieve their professional goals.