Clinical Training

Pediatric Pulmonary fellows at UC San Diego complete the majority of their core clinical training during the first year, with approximately four months dedicated to inpatient care. Based at Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego—the primary referral center for San Diego, Riverside, and Imperial Counties—fellows gain extensive exposure to the full spectrum of pediatric respiratory disease.

Inpatient Experience

During inpatient rotations, fellows:

• Manage patients on the pulmonary service
• Provide consultative care across the hospital
• Develop procedural expertise in bronchoscopy
• Teach and collaborate with pediatric residents and medical students

This experience builds both clinical confidence and leadership skills in a high-volume, diverse setting.

Outpatient Experience

Outpatient training is anchored by a longitudinal continuity clinic, where fellows:

• Provide ongoing care for community-referred patients
• Develop long-term relationships with patients and families
• Gain insight into disease progression over time

• Aerodigestive
• Breath Better/Respiratory Wellness
• Complex Sleep Apnea
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
• Post Bone Marrow Transplant
• Neuromuscular Disease
• Positive Airway Pressure Therapy
• Severe Asthma
• Single Ventricle
• Sleep Medicine
• Tracheostomy-Ventilator Dependent

Diagnostic & Procedural Training

Throughout the first year, fellows receive comprehensive training in:

• Pulmonary function testing (PFTs)
• Polysomnography
• Airway clearance therapies 
• Invasive and non-invasive ventilation devices
• Durable medical equipment

Individualized Training

Our program is designed with flexibility to support each fellow’s unique career goals. Fellows are encouraged to develop focused clinical expertise within areas of interest in pediatric respiratory medicine. We offer dedicated mentorship and tailored training across a range of pulmonary subspecialty tracks, with an emphasis on career development and scholarly growth. This individualized approach allows fellows to build the skills, experience, and academic foundation needed for successful and fulfilling careers.

UCSD Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship Block Schedules