Rheumatology Message from the Chief Faculty Contact Us Rheumatology Fellowship Rheumatology Fellowship Home About Campus & Community Resources Medicine: Rheumatology > Rheumatology Fellowship Program Overview The Division of Rheumatology at the UCI School of Medicine offers a highly competitive, two-year fellowship program that provides extensive clinical training in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders. Across two main training sites, UCI Medical Center and VA Long Beach Healthcare System, our program trains fellows to be outstanding clinical rheumatologists, prepared to treat both complex and basic rheumatology cases across a diverse patient population while also fostering habits of lifelong learning. Specialty Clinics We feature multiple combined specialty clinics throughout the fellowship program. Rheumatology/Dermatology Clinic Our rheumatology/dermatology clinic is the only one of its kind in Southern California and not only provides increased exposure to the dermatological manifestations of rheumatological conditions, but also provides our trainees with skin biopsy experience. Lupus/Nephrology Clinic The lupus/nephrology clinic, also unique to Southern California, provides a crucial nephrological perspective when managing lupus nephritis. Neuromuscular Clinic Our neuromuscular clinic, in conjunction with leaders in the field of neurology, exposes our trainees to a more in-depth knowledge of the pathology, treatment and recognition of the many clinical conditions that mimic myopathy. Additional Clinical Training Additional specialty clinics include: Interstitial lung disease Physical medicine and rehabilitation Sports medicine Integrative medicine Musculoskeletal radiology Our program also includes core rotations at Children’s Health of Orange County (CHOC) to provide exposure to pediatric rheumatology, recognizing that the nationwide shortage of experts in this field makes this a critical need. These additional clinics provide valuable interdisciplinary experiences for our fellows, allowing them to collaborate with and learn from other specialists, and enhancing their clinical competence in a variety of settings. Our fellows also gain experience as consultants and leaders of multidisciplinary healthcare teams, developing effective communication and leadership skills. We pride ourselves on our comprehensive training in musculoskeletal ultrasound. All of our fellows who have been interested in pursuing Ultrasound School of North American Rheumatologists (USSONAR) training have not only achieved this goal but have obtained one of the limited number of highly competitive scholarships available for the course. Led by four faculty members with ultrasound machines at all major sites of training, this well-developed curriculum exposes fellows to musculoskeletal ultrasound training in both years of the program. Our fellows’ high level of clinical proficiency allows them to teach these skills to junior-level trainees through supervised interactions, such as rotations and teaching sessions involving first- and second-year medical student classes, to better engage early learners in rheumatology and increase interest in the field. By integrating comprehensive training in rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders, combined with a focus on lifelong learning, our fellowship program equips trainees with the skills and knowledge required to become outstanding clinical rheumatologists. Educational Activities Rheumatology fellows receive in-depth clinical rheumatology experience in consultative hospital and outpatient care at UCI Medical Center in Orange and its state-of-the-art UCI Douglas Hospital, as well as at VA Long Beach Healthcare System. Fellows also train in pediatric rheumatology at Children's Health of Orange County (CHOC). Rheumatology fellows spend 75 percent of their time in clinical training and the remainder of time conducting research. Mentored research opportunities include basic science or clinical research, as well as clinical trials. Fellows get exposure and education in musculoskeletal ultrasound and are encouraged to complete the American College of Rheumatology USSONAR training course. Didactic training includes: Yearly three-part musculoskeletal exam course Weekly rheumatology grand rounds Monthly journal club Monthly case presentations Combined musculoskeletal rheumatology-radiology conferences every two months Musculoskeletal ultrasound training Eligibility & Application Process UCI School of Medicine Statement on the ACGME-accredited Residency and Fellowship interview season: The UC Schools of Medicine have reached consensus agreement regarding the residency and fellowship interview season. All interviews must be held remotely, even if the candidate lives locally. This policy is in alignment with guidance provided by the Coalition for Physician Accountability, which is composed of key national medical educational stakeholders, such as the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), Liaison Committee on Medical Education, American Association of Medical Colleges, American Medical Association and the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. We accept applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), which is sponsored by the Association of American Medical Colleges. You can search for the University of California Irvine Rheumatology Fellowship Program by Accreditation ID: 1500521108. We also participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Fellowship candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited internal medicine residency program. Applicants also must have: Board certification or board eligibility by ABIM MSPE or dean’s letter Proof of medical school graduation (original diploma) Proof of passing all three steps of the United States Medical Licensing Examination® (USMLE) or Proof of passing all three levels of the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination of the United States (COMLEX-USA) Three current letters of recommendation (within the past 12 months), one from the internal medicine program director Proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residency or a valid J-1 visa with ECFMG sponsorship International medical graduates must have current ECFMG Certificate and ECFMG-issued J-1 Visa or proof of permanent resident status Proof of current California medical license: Candidates must have a valid California medical license within 90 days of hire date in the fellowship program as required by California state law. If you are not already licensed in the state of California, contact the Medical Board of California, as there are new requirements. Proof of registration with the Selective Service or Status Information Letter (male trainees only) is required and must be submitted to RHEUMfellowshipdocs@hs.uci.edu by the second Friday in August: Our training program includes the Tibor Rubin Veterans Affairs Medical Center as a participating site. To train or work at a Veterans Health Administration facility, all male trainees must provide evidence of registration in the Selective Service program or evidence of exempt status issued through a Status Information Letter. Male trainees must have registered with the Selective Service between the ages of 18 and 26 or meet the criteria for an exemption and have a Status Information Letter issued by the Veterans Affairs’ Office of Academic Affiliations (OAA). Contact the Selective Service website to obtain evidence of registration or request for the Status Information Letter. All applications must be completed by the second Friday in August. Salary and Benefits For current information regarding fellows salary and benefits, please visit the Residents & Fellows Salary, Benefits, Policies page on our UCI Medical Education website. View Salary & Benefits Health Benefits Health Benefits — including medical, pharmaceutical, mental health, dental and vision care for you and your eligible dependents — are fully paid for by the university. UCI also covers life insurance, accidental death insurance and long-term disability insurance. Fellows also receive professional liability insurance coverage for all Rheumatology Fellowship program activities. Fellows receive stipends for housing, California medical licensure, education and conference fees and meals. Fellows receive four weeks of vacation per academic year. Moonlighting Moonlighting as a rheumatology fellow is not permitted. Contact Us For more information about the Division of Rheumatology’s fellowship program, please contact:Lanette Guerrero Fellowship Program Coordinatormlguerr1@hs.uci.edu "Thank you for your interest in our program. We look forward to meeting you!" -Michael Cheng, DO — Fellowship Program Director