About the Fellowship
The Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellowship prepares future leaders in the field through advanced training and education. With a robust curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to excellence, we provide a comprehensive learning experience tailored to meet the unique needs of pediatric patients and their families.
The Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellowship is a one-year ACGME-accredited program designed to prepare surgeons for the complexities of managing critically ill pediatric patients. Fellows gain hands-on experience in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICCU) while participating in advanced surgical procedures and multidisciplinary care.
Why CHLA?
Our fellowship offers a unique combination of clinical excellence, academic rigor, and a supportive learning environment. With world-class facilities and a dedicated faculty, fellows are well-equipped to become pediatric surgical critical care leaders.
Program Advantages
- Diverse patient population providing exposure to a wide range of clinical scenarios
- Strong emphasis on mentorship and professional development
Program Highlights
- Immersive training in pediatric trauma, sepsis, respiratory failure, and other critical conditions
- Exposure to cutting-edge technologies, including ECMO, advanced imaging, and minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Weekly didactic sessions focusing on critical care principles and evidence-based practices
- Collaboration with a diverse team of experts, including intensivists, radiologists, and emergency physicians
- Opportunities to participate in clinical research and quality improvement projects
Curriculum Overview
The fellowship curriculum is structured to provide a balanced mix of clinical experience, didactic learning, and research opportunities.
Core Rotations Include:
- PICU: Comprehensive management of critically ill children with conditions ranging from traumatic injuries to complex congenital anomalies
- NICCU: Focused training on neonatal surgical emergencies, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and other critical neonatal conditions
- Anesthesia: Focused exposure to pediatric airway management, sedation techniques, and perioperative care
- Burn Unit: Comprehensive care of burn patients, including wound management and critical care
- Adult Surgical ICU: Training in managing critically ill surgical patients, focusing on trauma and adult surgical critical care practices
Educational Activities
- Case-based discussions and morbidity and mortality reviews
- Journal clubs highlighting the latest advances in pediatric critical care
- Simulation training in crisis management and procedural skills
Training Sites
Our fellowship program offers training at two premier institutions, providing a diverse and comprehensive learning experience:
- Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles (CHLA): A nationally renowned pediatric hospital with advanced facilities and a high-acuity patient population. CHLA serves as the primary training site for fellows, offering extensive exposure to various critical conditions and advanced surgical techniques. Notably, CHLA is the only Level 1 stand-alone pediatric trauma center in Los Angeles County.
- Los Angeles General Medical Center (LA General): Fellows will rotate through LA General for one month of burn unit experience and one month of adult surgical critical care. This rotation provides valuable exposure to adult critical care practices and the unique challenges of burn management in a high-volume, multidisciplinary environment.
Fellowship Eligibility and How to Apply
Requirements for Application:
We are seeking highly motivated candidates who are passionate about pediatric surgical critical care. Applicants must either be categorical general surgery residents in training or board-eligible or board-certified general surgeons interested in pediatric surgical critical care.
To apply, please send the following to our Administrative Coordinator, Monica Del Rio, at mdelrio@chla.usc.edu:
- CV
- Personal Statement
- At least 3 letters of recommendation
Fellowship Start Date: August 1st, 2025
Program Fast Facts
ACGME Accredited: Yes
Fellows per year: 1
Duration: 1 year
Postgraduate Training Required: Yes
U.S. Citizenship Required: No
Salary Minimums:
Post Graduate Year 2: $82,000 minimum
Post Graduate Year 3: $85,500 minimum
Post Graduate Year 4: $89,000 minimum
Post Graduate Year 5: $92,500 minimum
Post Graduate Year 6: $96,000 minimum
*Compensation will be at the discretion of each division.
Benefits Include: The flexible benefits program starts on the first day of employment and includes medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your dependents, 401(k) matching up to 3%, 14 days of paid vacation, 6 days of protected sick leave, and a meal stipend.
Life in Los Angeles
Check out some of the great attractions in Los Angeles and information on where many CHLA Fellows decide to live.