University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) Program
Location:
Los Angeles, CASpecialty:
Infectious diseaseACGME Code:
1460521042The University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center Infectious Diseases Fellowship Program is a two-year, ACGME-accredited training program designed to prepare fellows for a successful career in infectious diseases. This fellowship offers a unique learning environment within a vibrant community that serves a diverse population. The program's mission encompasses three pillars: leading-edge clinical care, pioneering research, and providing exceptional educational experiences to fellows.
Missions and Goals
The primary mission of the program is to deliver state-of-the-art care to underserved populations in Southern California, which includes a multifaceted approach to research and training. The program is dedicated to clinical excellence, focusing on the needs of the communities served by the Los Angeles General Medical Center, Keck Medical Center, and additional USC Healthcare Consultation Centers. The program's research endeavors prominently feature innovative studies on HIV treatment, antimicrobial stewardship, and the management of various infectious diseases, reflecting a commitment to addressing real-world healthcare challenges 9.
Curriculum and Training Structure
Fellows can choose from specialized Clinical Scholar Tracks at the outset, including Transplant Infectious Diseases, HIV/AIDS Care, Antimicrobial Stewardship, and Hospital Epidemiology. The curriculum is tailored to provide rigorous clinical and academic experiences, along with core lectures that cover essential infectious disease topics delivered by faculty and expert guest speakers 2.
The fellowship program includes a variety of conferences for ongoing education, such as case conferences, journal clubs, and grand rounds, which promote interaction among fellows, faculty, and invited experts. Examples include the Infectious Disease Case Conference, where fellows critically analyze real patient cases, and the HIV Resistance Conference which focuses on complex cases of HIV treatment and resistance 2.
Research Opportunities
Research is a vital aspect of the fellowship, where fellows collaborate with faculty mentors to design and implement projects relevant to their interests. The program encourages fellows to present findings at notable conferences like the Infectious Diseases Society of America ID Week. Types of research projects range widely, including studies on antibiotic resistance and the effectiveness of treatment regimens for infectious diseases 12.
Training Sites
The training is predominantly based at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, the region's largest safety-net hospital and a designated Level 1 Trauma Center. The ID Division maintains a busy consult service, handling over 1,400 new inpatient consults annually 13. Additional training occurs at the Keck Medical Center, noted for its unique Transplant ID service, and the Rand Schrader HIV Clinic, which serves a significant number of HIV-infected patients, emphasizing the program's commitment to effective care for marginalized populations 13.
Diversity and Inclusion
The program actively values diversity within its training cohort, seeking to create an environment that fosters cultural competence and awareness. This is further enhanced through affinity groups and community outreach initiatives aimed at supporting residents and fellows from underrepresented backgrounds in medicine 7.
Application Process and Competitiveness
The application process requires candidates to apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and meet several prerequisites including valid ECFMG certificates for international graduates. The program is competitive but is considered friendly to both DO and IMG applicants. Only J-1 visas are accepted, ensuring compliance with training requirements 10.
Salary and Benefits
The fellowship offers a standardized salary that is consistent with the post-graduate year training level and is subject to annual change. Fellows enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including vacation days, meal provisions, and free parking at both training sites 8.
Life in Los Angeles
Los Angeles offers a rich array of cultural, outdoor, and leisure activities. The urban landscape is diverse, providing numerous opportunities for entertainment, dining, and exploration. Prospective fellows can enjoy the vibrant food scene and various outdoor activities, alongside cultural immersion in neighborhoods hosting distinct communities 11.
Website
Director
Kusha Davar, MD, MBA, MSProgram Director, Assistant Professor of Medicine Appointed Since August 2024Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
18hrsFirst Year Salary:
$78,910First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
2.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Los Angeles, CA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Los Angeles, CA
- Crime rate and safety: Los Angeles has a moderate crime rate with certain neighborhoods having higher crime rates than others. It's recommended to research and choose a safe area to live in.
- Fun activities: Los Angeles is known for its diverse entertainment options, such as Hollywood attractions, beautiful beaches, hiking trails, museums, and vibrant nightlife.
- Climate: Los Angeles has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. It is generally sunny throughout the year.
- Races and population: Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures with a diverse population representing various races and ethnicities.
- Education: Los Angeles is home to several prestigious universities and colleges, offering a wide range of educational opportunities.
- Cost of living: The cost of living in Los Angeles is relatively high compared to other cities in the U.S., especially when it comes to housing and transportation.
- Proximity to bigger cities: Nearby bigger cities include San Diego (about 2-3 hours drive) and San Francisco (about 6-7 hours drive), offering additional urban experiences.
- Pros: Exciting cultural opportunities, diverse culinary experiences, access to beautiful beaches, great weather, and potential networking opportunities in the entertainment industry.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, air pollution, and housing affordability challenges.
Interview Questions
