University of California (San Francisco)/Fresno Program

The UCSF Fresno Pediatrics Residency Program emphasizes academic excellence in a supportive family environment that promotes personal growth and diverse clinical experiences. The program is dedicated to producing exceptional pediatricians through hands-on training and a strong foundation in general pediatrics. The residents benefit from an environment that fosters mature decision-making, characterized by supportive faculty and comprehensive educational opportunities.

The program is structured as a three-year ACGME-accredited training program, participating in the National Resident Matching Program. Each year, the program matches seven PGY-1 residents. All applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with consideration given to commitment to community health and patient care.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is designed to cover both core and elective rotations. Rotations are arranged in 2-4 week blocks, totaling 13 blocks per academic year, complemented by five days of dedicated education and four weeks of vacation.

This program incorporates a robust didactic framework, which includes the Pediatrics Yale Office-Based Medicine Curriculum along with small group workshops and simulation training. Weekly teaching sessions are held, covering various aspects from journal clubs to adolescent medicine conferences.

Clinical Rotations

Residents rotate through multiple facilities, including:

• Community Regional Medical Center (CRMC): Features a Level 1 Trauma Center and comprehensive Burn Center.
• Children's Health Center (CHC): Engages in over 22,000 patient encounters per year, primarily resident-run.
• Valley Children's Hospital (VCH): Provides tertiary care and specialized pediatric services.

Throughout their training, residents also engage in pediatric subspecialty rotations, including opportunities in cardiology, endocrinology, and more.

Research Opportunities

The UCSF Fresno Pediatrics Residency Program encourages resident participation in scholarly activities. Each resident participates in research projects aligned with their academic interests. The research team supports residents in developing research skills and conducting quality improvement projects.

Community Pediatrics and Public Health

The program includes a unique Community Pediatrics curriculum, which focuses on social determinants of health and cultural competency. Activities include home visits, community mapping, and advocacy training, aimed at addressing barriers to health care access within underserved populations.

International Rotations

Qualified residents have the opportunity to pursue international rotations during their second or third year. These experiences are available in various countries and focus on the practice of medicine in resource-limited settings, enabling the enhancement of clinical skills in diverse environments.

Wellness and Support

UCSF Fresno places a strong emphasis on resident wellness. Activities include mentorship programs pairing senior and junior residents, regular wellness days, and annual retreats designed to foster camaraderie and support among residents. These initiatives are supported by a dedicated Wellness Committee aimed at promoting balance and well-being.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is considered DO and IMG friendly, though applicants should demonstrate strong academic performance and relevant clinical experience. The program sponsors ECFMG-sponsored J-1 visas for international medical graduates, while not typically sponsoring H-1B visas. Candidates must hold one of the acceptable visa types for the duration of their training.

Application Requirements

Application prerequisites include passing USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 or COMLEX Level 1 and 2 respectively, with no failures. Potential residents should preferably graduate from medical school within five years and must not have any failed classes. Interviews will be conducted in a virtual format.