Apr 27, 2001
University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) Program
Overview
Overview of the USC/LA General Medical Center Nuclear Medicine Program
The Nuclear Medicine Fellowship at the University of Southern California (USC) offers comprehensive training in the field of nuclear medicine, combining high-quality clinical exposure with substantial academic and research opportunities. The program is designed to equip fellows with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in both clinical practice and scholarly endeavors within the unique context of Los Angeles' diverse patient population.
The fellowship is based in two primary hospital settings: Keck Hospital of USC and Los Angeles General Medical Center. These institutions provide a rich clinical environment for nuclear medicine practice while providing care to a wide range of socioeconomic and culturally diverse patients.
Curriculum and Training Sites
The Nuclear Medicine Fellowship is structured as a comprehensive two-year program that allows fellows to engage in direct patient care while also participating in didactic learning and research activities. The curriculum includes:
- Clinical Training: Fellows will undergo extensive training in various aspects of nuclear medicine, including diagnostic imaging, therapy, and innovative practices such as PET/CT.
- Research Opportunities: The program emphasizes research, encouraging fellows to engage in clinical and translational research projects relevant to nuclear medicine.
Fellows will rotate between Keck Hospital and Los Angeles General Medical Center, where they will gain exposure to different patient populations and clinical challenges.
Specific Rotations
Rotations in the fellowship include:
- Nuclear Medicine Services: Involvement in daily rounds, patient consultations, and interpretation of nuclear medicine studies.
- Therapeutic Procedures: Experience in administering therapeutic procedures, including radioiodine therapy and other targeted treatments.
- Interdisciplinary Opportunities: Collaborate with physicians from various specialties, enhancing a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
Didactic Sessions and Educational Enhancements
The fellowship includes regular didactic sessions aimed at reinforcing clinical knowledge while assisting fellows in preparing for board certification in nuclear medicine. Educational activities are designed to be interactive and engaging, with emphasis on:
- Weekly case discussions and journal clubs to review current literature and case methodologies.
- Monthly meetings with faculty to discuss patient cases and complex topics in nuclear medicine.
Research and Innovation
The USC Nuclear Medicine Fellowship provides substantial support for research activities. Fellows are encouraged to develop independent research projects and present findings at national meetings. Faculty mentorship is essential, with opportunities for collaboration across various departments, fostering innovation within nuclear medicine and biomedical imaging.
Visa Support and Application Requirements
The program welcomes international medical graduates, offering sponsorship for J-1 visas only. This availability broadens the diversity and quality of applicants within the program.
Applicants must meet specific prerequisites, including:
- A Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.
- Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency program in a relevant field.
- A strong track record of academic excellence and professional recommendations, particularly in nuclear medicine or related areas.
Competitiveness of the Program
The USC Nuclear Medicine Fellowship program is highly competitive, attracting candidates from a variety of backgrounds. The rigorous selection process emphasizes qualifications, clinical experience, and potential for research excellence.
Benefits and Support for Residents
Residents in the USC Nuclear Medicine Fellowship program benefit from a range of resources, including:
- Comprehensive salary and benefits in line with national standards.
- Access to a plethora of educational resources and library facilities.
- Support for attending conferences and educational meetings, funded by the program to promote professional development and networking.
Resident Life and Culture
The program prides itself on fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Fellows are encouraged to participate in social activities and events, building a community that extends beyond clinical and educational obligations. As a fellow in the program, individuals will find numerous opportunities to engage in the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, enhancing their personal and professional growth.
Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [3]
Program
Program Size
1, 0, 0 (3 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: February 12, 2026)
Composition [2]
--
Training
Fellowship Rate:100% [2]
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:2X [1]
Residents Career Path [2]
Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $74,209 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 12 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 40 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:-- [2]
YOG Cutoff:1 [1]
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
2 Publications (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
2 Publications (5 yr)
Sex Differences in Pulmonary Hypertension and Associated Right Ventricular Dysfunction.
Does trauma center designation impact management, complications, and outcomes in burn patients? A National Trauma Data Bank analysis.
Location
Los Angeles, CA [5]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [6]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [7]
Rate per 100,000 residents
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.
FAQ
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Nearby programs
Nuclear medicine Programs Near Los Angeles, CA
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/2000521105
2. Residency Explorer - https://www.residencyexplorer.org/Program/GetByIdWithMedicalSpecialty/a2b8dd23-67a9-9d01-b839-e1036affffa4
3. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
4. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
5. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=010XX00US
6. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
7. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr