Director's Message

Welcome to the UC Irvine Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine Fellowship Program

We’re thrilled that you’re considering UC Irvine for your fellowship training and career development in neonatology. Our program offers a dynamic, personalized and comprehensive experience that prepares physicians to become leaders in both academic and private-practice settings.

Why Choose UC Irvine?

• Over 35 Years of Excellence
  A legacy of training successful neonatologists across diverse practice environments.
• Three Premier Training Sites
  Each site offers unique clinical experiences and skill development:
  • UCI Medical Center (UCIMC)
  • Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)
  • Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital of Long Beach (MCWHLB)
• Robust Clinical Exposure
  • 2,500+ NICU admissions annually
  • 360+ very low birth weight infants
  • 500+ neonatal surgeries
  • Specialized small-baby units
  • Advanced therapies including ECMO, total-body cooling and high-frequency ventilation

Academic & Research Excellence

• Exposure to dedicated 4th year fellowships in neonatology

The NICU at CHOC has 2 spots annually for fellows to undertake training in hemodynamics and 1 spot annually to undergo advanced training in Neurology. Exposure to these cutting-edge areas of neonatology ensure the highest level of academic and research excellence and enable our fellows to become national leaders in the field. 

• Tailored Curriculum
  Training in clinical and basic science research, quality improvement, education and leadership.
• Protected Learning Time
  Dedicated hours for didactics, research and professional development.
• Cutting-Edge Research Opportunities
  Collaborate with renowned centers like:
  • Neonatology Stem Cell Research Center
  • Beckman Laser Institute
  • Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS)
  • Behavioral Perinatology Research Program

Family-Centered Care & Teamwork

Our fellows learn to deliver evidence-based care within a multidisciplinary, family-centered model, supported by 40+ board-certified neonatologists and a wide array of pediatric subspecialists.

Life in Orange County

Enjoy the best of Southern California:

• Beaches, mountains and hiking trails
• Cultural attractions and family-friendly activities
• Just blocks from Disneyland!

You can surf in the morning and ski in the afternoon—all while training at one of the nation’s top medical schools.

Thank you for considering UC Irvine.

We’re committed to shaping the next generation of NICU providers. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Warm regards,

Ayan Rajgarhia, MD FAAP

Program Director, Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine Fellowship