Office of Career and Residency Advising (OCRA)

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Fellowship Profiles

    • Primary Specialties: Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, or Psychiatry.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on the prevention, identification, and treatment of substance use disorders. Fellows learn about pharmacotherapy, counseling, and harm reduction. Daily activities include managing patients in outpatient clinics and detoxification units.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American College of Academic Addiction Medicine (ACAAM) is a key organization. Rotate through addiction services during residency.
    • To Become Competitive: Show a strong commitment to serving vulnerable populations. Volunteer work, research in the field, and a strong personal statement are all valuable.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Volunteer at student-run free clinics in the Inland Empire, which serve many patients with addiction. You can discuss this with Dr. Hanh Nguyen.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Loma Linda University Health offers an Addiction Medicine Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants look for programs that provide a wide range of clinical experiences, from inpatient detox to outpatient clinics and harm reduction services. A commitment to underserved populations is also a key consideration.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a strong desire to help those with substance use disorders, excellent interpersonal skills, and a non-judgmental approach to patient care.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in academic settings, public health, hospital systems, or private practice. The demand for addiction medicine physicians is high.
    • Average Salary: The average base salary for an addiction medicine physician is $224,000 to $229,000, with a total compensation package potentially reaching over $390,000.
    • Primary Specialties: Family Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on the unique healthcare needs of adolescents. Fellows learn to address physical and emotional development, reproductive health, substance use, and mental health issues in this population.
    • Training: Two years.
    • To Learn More: The Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) is the main professional organization.
    • To Become Competitive: Demonstrate a passion for working with teenagers. Research in adolescent health and experience in a teen clinic are highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Volunteer at student-run free clinics that serve youth in the Inland Empire.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Riverside University Health System (RUHS) offers a Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellowship, which has an adolescent medicine component.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a strong focus on interdisciplinary care, a diverse patient population, and a curriculum that addresses the unique psychosocial needs of adolescents.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a non-judgmental attitude, excellent communication skills, and a genuine interest in the well-being of young people.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic centers, or in school-based clinics.
    • Average Salary: The average annual salary for an adolescent medicine physician is $208,152.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on disorders of the immune system and allergic conditions. Fellows learn to manage patients with asthma, food allergies, and autoimmune disorders. Daily activities include outpatient clinics, allergy testing, and immunotherapy.
    • Training: Two years.
    • To Learn More: The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) is a great resource.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong performance in your core residency is critical. Research in immunology, especially during residency, and strong letters of recommendation from faculty are highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Get involved in research with Dr. Daniel Novak or other immunology faculty at UCR SOM.
    • Southern California Programs: UCLA and UC San Diego offer accredited fellowships.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants prioritize programs with a balanced curriculum that includes both adult and pediatric patients, a strong focus on clinical and laboratory immunology, and opportunities for research.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a strong academic record, research experience in immunology, and a compassionate bedside manner for patients with chronic conditions.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic centers, or for pharmaceutical and biotech companies.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for an allergist-immunologist is $204,319.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Fellows learn about non-invasive testing (echocardiography, stress testing), invasive procedures (catheterization), and the long-term management of conditions like heart failure.
    • Training: Three years.
    • To Learn More: The American College of Cardiology (ACC) is an essential resource.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong clinical performance on cardiology rotations, meaningful research in a cardiovascular topic, and excellent letters of recommendation are critical.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Cardiology Student Interest Group. You can also get involved in research with faculty at UCR SOM or affiliate hospitals like Riverside Community Hospital.
    • Inland Empire Programs: The UC Riverside School of Medicine has an Interventional Cardiology Fellowship at St. Bernardine Hospital in San Bernardino.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with high procedural volume, a strong clinical reputation, and opportunities to pursue advanced sub-specialization (e.g., interventional, electrophysiology).
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a strong work ethic, intellectual curiosity, and a deep interest in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, hospital systems, or academic medicine.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for a cardiologist in California is approximately $358,882.
    • Primary Specialties: Ophthalmology.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on the diseases and surgery of the cornea and anterior segment of the eye. Fellows learn to perform procedures like corneal transplants and cataract surgery and manage conditions like keratitis and corneal dystrophies.
    • Training: One year after a completed ophthalmology residency.
    • To Learn More: The Cornea Society provides excellent resources.
    • To Become Competitive: Excellent surgical skills and a strong academic record are necessary. Research in cornea or refractive surgery is also a plus.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Ophthalmology Student Interest Group. Discuss potential research collaborations with UCR faculty.
    • Southern California Programs: UC San Diego and UC Irvine have accredited Cornea fellowships.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a high volume of cataract and corneal transplant cases. They also look for a strong research component and mentorship in advanced surgical techniques.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with meticulous surgical skills, a strong work ethic, and a deep interest in the pathology of the anterior segment of the eye.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice or academic centers. Many go on to own or manage their own outpatient surgery centers.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for a cornea specialist is $110,000, with top earners making over $362,000.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine, Anesthesiology, or Emergency Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship trains physicians to be experts in caring for critically ill and injured patients. They manage complex, life-threatening conditions in a variety of Intensive Care Units (ICUs). A key part of the training is managing multi-organ failure and performing a wide range of procedures.
    • Training: Two years for Internal Medicine or Emergency Medicine graduates; one year for Anesthesiology graduates.
    • To Learn More: The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) have extensive resources.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong clinical performance on ICU rotations and gaining experience with procedures is essential. Research in a critical care-related topic and a compelling personal statement are vital.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Critical Care Student Interest Group. You can also talk to Dr. Hanh Nguyen about away rotations to a strong critical care program.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Loma Linda University Health offers a Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a high volume of diverse cases, a strong focus on hands-on procedural training, and a supportive team environment.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants who can handle stress, make quick decisions, and possess excellent procedural skills.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in hospital systems, academic centers, or in private practice.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for a critical care physician in California is $422,633.
    • Primary Specialties: Dermatology or Pathology.
    • What it's about: This fellowship specializes in the microscopic diagnosis of skin diseases. Fellows act as a bridge between the clinical dermatologist and the pathologist, interpreting skin biopsies and providing definitive diagnoses for a wide range of conditions.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Society of Dermatopathology (ASDP) provides information on training and careers.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong performance on both dermatology and pathology rotations is crucial. Research in either of these fields is highly valued. A strong interest in microscopy and pattern recognition is a must.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Dermatology and Pathology Student Interest Groups. Reach out to Dr. Daniel Novak to discuss research opportunities in a related field.
    • Southern California Programs: Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles offers a Dermatopathology Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a high volume of diverse cases, a strong didactic curriculum, and mentorship from experienced dermatopathologists.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a meticulous and analytical mindset, a strong knowledge base in both dermatology and pathology, and excellent pattern recognition skills.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice (both large and small groups), academic centers, or for large laboratory corporations.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for a dermatopathologist is $365,500.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship is dedicated to the study of the digestive system. Fellows learn to diagnose and manage a wide range of conditions and become proficient in endoscopic procedures like colonoscopy and EGD.
    • Training: Three years.
    • To Learn More: The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) is a great resource.
    • To Become Competitive: Excellent performance on GI rotations, research in a GI-related topic, and a solid letter of recommendation from a GI faculty member are critical.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Gastroenterology Student Interest Group. Seek out research with Dr. Daniel Novak.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Loma Linda University Health offers a Gastroenterology Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a high procedural volume, a diverse patient population, and a strong curriculum that includes both outpatient clinic and inpatient consultation.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with excellent procedural dexterity, a strong work ethic, and a deep interest in the pathophysiology of GI diseases.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic settings, or a combination of both.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for a gastroenterologist ranges between $450,000 and $550,000.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Family Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on the comprehensive care of older adults. Fellows manage complex medical conditions, polypharmacy, and the psychosocial needs of geriatric patients. Daily activities include outpatient clinic visits, inpatient consultations, and rounds in long-term care facilities.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) provides extensive resources.
    • To Become Competitive: Demonstrate a passion for caring for the elderly. Research on aging and volunteer work with seniors are key.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Participate in student interest groups focused on geriatrics or volunteer with local senior centers. Discuss research with Dr. Daniel Novak.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Kaiser Permanente Fontana offers a Geriatric Medicine Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants prioritize programs with a strong focus on interdisciplinary care and a variety of clinical settings, including outpatient clinics and nursing homes.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a high level of empathy, strong communication skills for working with patients and their families, and a holistic approach to patient care.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in hospitals, nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or in private practice.
    • Average Salary: The average geriatric physician salary is approximately $289,201.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This combined program trains physicians in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders. Fellows learn to manage complex cases, deliver chemotherapy, and perform bone marrow biopsies.
    • Training: Three years.
    • To Learn More: The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the American Society of Hematology (ASH) are the major professional organizations.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong clinical performance in your primary residency is crucial. Research experience is critical, and a publication is highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Oncology Student Interest Group. Get involved in research with Dr. Daniel Novak or other faculty at UCR SOM.
    • Southern California Programs: UCLA, Stanford University, and City of Hope all offer highly competitive and well-regarded fellowships.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a strong research component, a high volume of diverse cancer cases, and mentorship from renowned researchers and clinicians.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a strong academic record, a deep interest in science and research, and a compassionate approach to patient care.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, large hospital systems, or academic centers. The demand for hematology/oncology physicians is high.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for an oncologist is $463,000.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, or Family Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on improving the quality of life for patients and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Fellows learn to manage complex symptoms, provide compassionate communication, and guide patients through difficult end-of-life decisions. They work in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM) is a great resource.
    • To Become Competitive: Demonstrate empathy and a strong commitment to this field. Volunteer work in hospice, strong communication skills, and letters of recommendation are key.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Hospice and Palliative Care Student Interest Group. Volunteer at local hospice organizations in the Inland Empire.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Loma Linda University Health offers a Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a strong emphasis on communication skills and interdisciplinary team-based care.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with exceptional empathy, excellent communication skills, and a strong sense of purpose in providing compassionate care.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in hospitals, hospice agencies, nursing homes, and outpatient palliative care clinics.
    • Average Salary: The average annual salary for a hospice and palliative care physician in California is $192,093.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship is for physicians who want to become leaders in hospital-based care. Fellows focus on quality improvement, patient safety, medical education, and hospital administration.
    • Training: One to two years.
    • To Learn More: The Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) is the leading organization.
    • To Become Competitive: Show a strong interest in medical education and hospital administration. Participation in hospital committees, leadership roles in residency, and research in these areas are highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join student interest groups related to quality improvement or patient safety. Talk to Dr. Hanh Nguyen about leadership roles and research projects.
    • Southern California Programs: Many academic medical centers, like UCLA and Stanford, have fellowships or chief resident positions that function as a training pathway for hospital medicine.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs that offer a structured curriculum in hospital administration, quality improvement, and patient safety.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants who demonstrate strong leadership potential, a collaborative spirit, and a commitment to improving healthcare delivery within a hospital system.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates are highly sought after for leadership roles in hospital systems, academic medicine, and administration.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for a hospitalist in California is around $204,190 per year.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship trains physicians to be experts in the diagnosis and treatment of infections. Fellows manage patients with complex bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections, and they often work in hospital epidemiology and public health.
    • Training: Two years.
    • To Learn More: The Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) is a great resource.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong clinical performance on infectious disease rotations is essential. Research in microbiology, epidemiology, or global health is highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Infectious Disease Student Interest Group. Volunteer at local free clinics in the Inland Empire that address community health concerns.
    • Southern California Programs: Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles and UCLA have accredited programs.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a diverse patient population, a strong curriculum in both inpatient and outpatient ID, and opportunities for research in epidemiology or global health.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a strong academic record, a deep interest in the basic science of microbiology, and a commitment to patient advocacy.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic centers, or for government agencies like the CDC or NIH. Many also work in hospital epidemiology.
    • Average Salary: The average salary for an infectious disease physician is $173,989.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on the diagnosis and management of kidney disease and hypertension. Fellows learn to manage patients with acute and chronic kidney failure and become experts in dialysis and transplantation.
    • Training: Two years.
    • To Learn More: The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) is the primary professional organization.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong clinical performance on nephrology rotations and research in kidney disease or hypertension are highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Nephrology Student Interest Group. Look for research opportunities in kidney disease with UCR faculty.
    • Southern California Programs: UC San Diego and Stanford University are examples of institutions with accredited programs.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs that offer a high volume of inpatient and outpatient dialysis experience, as well as exposure to kidney transplantation.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a strong interest in physiology, a meticulous approach to fluid and electrolyte management, and a commitment to long-term patient care.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic centers, or large hospital systems, with many choosing to own or work within dialysis centers.
    • Average Salary: The average annual nephrologist salary is $312,000.
    • Primary Specialties: Neurology or Emergency Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship is for physicians who care for critically ill patients with life-threatening neurological conditions like stroke, brain hemorrhage, and status epilepticus. They are experts in managing both the primary neurological injury and associated systemic complications.
    • Training: Two years.
    • To Learn More: The Neurocritical Care Society (NCS) is an excellent resource. You can also seek out electives in a neuro-ICU during your residency.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong performance on neurology and emergency medicine rotations is a must. Research in a related topic, a strong personal statement, and letters of recommendation from neurocritical care or ICU faculty are vital.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Neurology Student Interest Group. Look for research opportunities with faculty in neurology or critical care.
    • Southern California Programs: UCLA, UC San Francisco, and Stanford University all have accredited Neurocritical Care fellowships.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a high volume of diverse neuro-ICU cases, hands-on procedural experience, and a strong sense of teamwork.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants who thrive in high-stress, fast-paced environments. They look for strong clinical judgment, technical skills, and the ability to work collaboratively.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in academic centers, large hospital systems, or with a neurocritical care group.
    • Average Salary: The average annual salary for a neurocritical care physician in California is $192,715.
    • Primary Specialties: Family Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship is for family physicians who wish to have advanced obstetrical skills, including the ability to perform cesarean sections. Fellows gain more experience in high-risk obstetrics and surgical deliveries.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) can provide information.
    • To Become Competitive: A strong procedural log from residency, particularly with deliveries and C-sections, is essential. You need to demonstrate a commitment to providing full-scope family medicine, including maternity care.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Get involved with the Family Medicine Student Interest Group.
    • Southern California Programs: San Joaquin General Hospital offers an advanced obstetrics fellowship for family physicians.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with high-volume maternity care, a good balance of vaginal deliveries and surgical experience, and a supportive learning environment.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a passion for maternal and child health, strong clinical skills, and a desire to serve as a comprehensive provider in a community setting.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in rural or underserved areas where there is a high need for family physicians with obstetrical skills. They can also work in private practice or in hospital systems.
    • Average Salary: The average annual salary for a family practice physician with obstetrics in California is $205,426.
    • Primary Specialties: Family Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship is for family physicians who wish to have advanced obstetrical skills, including the ability to perform cesarean sections. Fellows gain more experience in high-risk obstetrics and surgical deliveries.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) can provide information.
    • To Become Competitive: A strong procedural log from residency, particularly with deliveries and C-sections, is essential. You need to demonstrate a commitment to providing full-scope family medicine, including maternity care.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Get involved with the Family Medicine Student Interest Group.
    • Southern California Programs: San Joaquin General Hospital offers an advanced obstetrics fellowship for family physicians.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with high-volume maternity care, a good balance of vaginal deliveries and surgical experience, and a supportive learning environment.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a passion for maternal and child health, strong clinical skills, and a desire to serve as a comprehensive provider in a community setting.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in rural or underserved areas where there is a high need for family physicians with obstetrical skills. They can also work in private practice or in hospital systems.
    • Average Salary: The average annual salary for a family practice physician with obstetrics in California is $205,426.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R), Anesthesiology.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on a multimodal approach to treating acute and chronic pain. Fellows diagnose complex pain conditions and use a variety of treatments, including medication, interventional procedures (nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulators), and physical therapy. They manage outpatient clinics, perform procedures, and participate in inpatient consultations.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: Consult the American Academy of Pain Medicine. Network with pain management physicians and attend relevant conferences.
    • To Become Competitive: Gain strong clinical experience during residency, especially in rotations like anesthesia or PM&R. Presenting research on pain-related topics is crucial.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join student interest groups related to neurology or anesthesia. Seek out research with faculty at UCR SOM or Loma Linda University. You can discuss research with Dr. Daniel Novak.
    • Southern California Programs: UCLA and UC San Diego have ACGME-accredited programs.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants prioritize programs with a balanced training experience, including a high volume of interventional procedures and exposure to a variety of pain conditions. They also look for strong mentorship and opportunities for academic involvement.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with excellent procedural skills, a solid understanding of pain physiology, and a compassionate approach to patient care. Research experience and a strong interest in the field are also highly valued.
    • Job Opportunities: Fellows can work in private practice, academic centers, or a hybrid of both. Opportunities exist in both hospital-based and outpatient clinic settings.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for pain management physicians vary widely depending on practice setting and location.
    • Primary Specialties: Pediatrics or Dermatology.
    • What it's about: This fellowship focuses on the diagnosis and management of skin conditions in infants, children, and adolescents. Fellows learn to treat a wide range of dermatologic issues, from common rashes to complex genetic disorders.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The Society for Pediatric Dermatology (SPD) is the primary professional organization.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong clinical performance in both pediatrics and dermatology is crucial. Research on pediatric skin diseases and strong letters of recommendation from both pediatric and dermatology faculty are highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Dermatology and Pediatrics Student Interest Groups. Discuss research opportunities with Dr. Daniel Novak.
    • Southern California Programs: Stanford University and Rady Children's Hospital San Diego have accredited programs.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a high volume of rare and complex cases, a strong focus on academic and research opportunities, and mentorship from leaders in the field.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a strong academic record, a deep interest in both pediatrics and dermatology, and a compassionate bedside manner for working with children and their families.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in academic centers, private practice, or a hybrid of both.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for pediatric dermatologists vary.
    • Primary Specialties: This is a primary surgical residency, not a fellowship.
    • What it's about: This surgical residency focuses on both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Residents learn to perform procedures from microsurgery and hand surgery to cosmetic enhancements. The daily life is a demanding mix of inpatient and outpatient surgeries, clinic, and call.
    • Training: Six years (integrated residency).
    • To Learn More: The American Council of Academic Plastic Surgeons (ACAPS) is a key resource. You should also seek out plastic surgery electives.
    • To Become Competitive: Strong surgical skills, a compelling portfolio of creative or artistic work, and research in plastic surgery are essential.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Surgery Student Interest Group. Talk to Dr. Hanh Nguyen about away rotations or research opportunities.
    • Southern California Programs: UCLA and UC San Diego have integrated plastic surgery programs.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a high volume and variety of surgical cases, a strong research component, and mentorship from leaders in the field.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs look for applicants with excellent manual dexterity, a strong academic record, and a demonstrated passion for the field.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic centers, or a combination of both.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for plastic surgeons vary widely based on location and practice setting.
    • Primary Specialties: This is a primary residency, not a fellowship, that usually requires a prior clinical internship year.
    • What it's about: This residency focuses on population health and disease prevention. It is a blend of clinical medicine and public health, often involving a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree. Residents get hands-on experience in public health departments and government agencies.
    • Training: Two years after an intern year.
    • To Learn More: The American College of Preventive Medicine (ACPM) is a good resource.
    • To Become Competitive: A strong interest in public health, epidemiology, and health policy is essential. Research in public health and a prior MPH are a plus.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Global & Public Health Student Interest Group. You can also get involved in local public health initiatives in the Inland Empire.
    • Southern California Programs: UC San Diego and UC San Francisco have Preventive Medicine residencies.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs that offer a strong curriculum in public health and provide hands-on experience in diverse public health settings.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with a passion for addressing health disparities and a commitment to public health.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in state and federal health agencies (like the CDC), academic institutions, non-profit organizations, and in private industry.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for preventive medicine physicians vary widely based on the role and employer.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine or Pediatrics.
    • What it's about: This combined fellowship prepares physicians to care for patients with pulmonary diseases and life-threatening illnesses. Fellows split their time between inpatient pulmonary consults, outpatient clinics, and the intensive care unit (ICU). They become experts in mechanical ventilation and bronchoscopy.
    • Training: Three years.
    • To Learn More: The American Thoracic Society (ATS) and the Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) offer valuable information.
    • To Become Competitive: A strong performance on ICU and pulmonary rotations is essential. Research in pulmonary physiology or critical care is also key.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Pulmonary/Critical Care Student Interest Group. Talk to Dr. Hanh Nguyen about elective opportunities at partner institutions.
    • Inland Empire Programs: Loma Linda University Health offers a Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Fellowship.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs that provide a high volume of critically ill patients, a diverse range of procedural experience, and a strong sense of camaraderie within the fellow and faculty group.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs look for applicants who thrive in high-stress environments, are excellent communicators, and possess a strong knowledge base in physiology and internal medicine.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in both outpatient pulmonary clinics and inpatient ICUs. Many choose to specialize in one area or maintain a hybrid practice.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for pulmonary/critical care physicians vary.
    • Primary Specialties: Ophthalmology.
    • What it's about: This fellowship, also known as a Vitreoretinal Surgery fellowship, focuses on the medical and surgical management of diseases of the retina and vitreous. Fellows become experts in treating conditions like retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
    • Training: One to two years after a completed ophthalmology residency.
    • To Learn More: The American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS) is a key resource.
    • To Become Competitive: You need to have a strong technical and surgical background from your ophthalmology residency. Research in ophthalmology is highly valued.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Ophthalmology Student Interest Group. Talk to Dr. Hanh Nguyen about connecting with ophthalmologists in the Inland Empire to learn more.
    • Southern California Programs: There are many programs in Southern California, including at USC and UCLA.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a high volume of complex surgical cases, strong mentorship in the operating room, and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with exceptional manual dexterity, a strong work ethic, and a deep interest in the intricate anatomy and pathology of the retina.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice or academic centers. The demand for retinal surgeons is high.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for retinal surgeons are some of the highest in medicine, though they can vary.
    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Neurology, Psychiatry, Otolaryngology, or Anesthesiology.
    • What it's about: This fellowship is dedicated to the diagnosis and management of sleep-related disorders. Fellows interpret sleep studies, manage conditions like sleep apnea and insomnia, and provide care in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) is an excellent resource. You can also participate in sleep clinic electives during residency.
    • To Become Competitive: Seek out electives in sleep medicine, work on research related to sleep disorders, and get strong letters of recommendation.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Talk to Dr. Hanh Nguyen about elective opportunities at partner institutions. Look for research opportunities in neurology or psychiatry related to sleep.
    • Southern California Programs: UC San Diego and Stanford University have accredited programs.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs with a diverse patient population, a good mix of clinical and research training, and a strong emphasis on professional development.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a genuine interest in sleep disorders, a meticulous and analytical mindset for interpreting sleep studies, and the ability to work effectively with other specialists.
    • Job Opportunities: Fellows can work in private practice, academic settings, or within larger hospital systems.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for sleep medicine physicians vary.
    • Primary Specialties: Orthopedic Surgery or Neurosurgery.
    • What it's about: This fellowship specializes in the surgical and non-surgical management of spinal disorders. Fellows learn to perform complex procedures for trauma, tumors, and deformities. They work in both the operating room and outpatient clinics.
    • Training: One year after a completed orthopedic or neurosurgery residency.
    • To Learn More: The North American Spine Society (NASS) is a key organization.
    • To Become Competitive: A strong track record in your primary residency, a demonstrated interest in spine surgery, and excellent technical skills are crucial.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Orthopedic Surgery or Neurosurgery Student Interest Group. Look for research with faculty in these specialties.
    • Southern California Programs: Stanford University and UCLA have programs in spine surgery.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs with a high volume of surgical cases, a good balance between open and minimally invasive procedures, and a clear path to clinical independence.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs seek applicants with excellent surgical dexterity, a strong work ethic, and a deep understanding of spinal anatomy and pathology.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, academic centers, or large hospital systems.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for spine surgeons vary widely based on location and practice setting.

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    • Primary Specialties: Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, or Emergency Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship specializes in the medical care of athletes and active individuals. Fellows learn to diagnose and manage musculoskeletal injuries, concussions, and other medical issues related to sports. They also provide sideline medical coverage for sports teams.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine (AMSSM) is a great resource.
    • To Become Competitive: Participate in sports medicine electives, get involved in athletic event coverage, and complete research projects on sports-related topics.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Sports Medicine Student Interest Group or volunteer at UCR athletic events.
    • Southern California Programs: UC San Diego and Stanford University offer sports medicine fellowships.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants are drawn to programs that offer extensive sideline coverage experience, a diverse patient population (from high school to professional athletes), and hands-on training with musculoskeletal procedures like injections.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a genuine passion for sports and exercise. They look for a strong work ethic, the ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and a commitment to providing comprehensive care to athletes.
    • Job Opportunities: Fellows can work in private practice, academic centers, or with professional sports teams.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for sports medicine physicians vary.

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    • Primary Specialties: Family Medicine or Internal Medicine.
    • What it's about: This fellowship provides a comprehensive focus on the unique health needs of women across their lifespan. Fellows gain advanced skills in gynecological procedures and managing medical conditions unique to women. Day-to-day, they primarily work in an outpatient clinic.
    • Training: One year.
    • To Learn More: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Society for Women's Health Research (SWHR) are key resources.
    • To Become Competitive: A strong interest in women's health is paramount. You should have a solid foundation in gynecology and obstetrics, with a desire to provide comprehensive care.
    • UCR SOM Involvement: Join the Family Medicine or OB/GYN Student Interest Groups. Volunteer at a free clinic that serves women, like the Riverside Free Clinic.
    • Southern California Programs: Many family medicine programs in Southern California offer advanced training opportunities or fellowships in women's health.
    • What Applicants Look For: Applicants seek programs that offer a broad curriculum in both medical and gynecological conditions affecting women, a good mix of outpatient and inpatient experience, and mentorship in advocacy.
    • What Programs Look For: Programs want applicants with a strong commitment to women's health, a compassionate and non-judgmental approach, and excellent communication skills.
    • Job Opportunities: Graduates can work in private practice, large hospital systems, or community clinics.
    • Average Salary: Salaries for women's health physicians vary.