Electives

Develop Extra Skills with Electives

Emergency Medicine physicians must master all aspects of acute care medicine. Our field is ever-expanding, with a growing number of sub-specialties and a diverse set of skills. To prepare our residents for the challenges and opportunities of their careers, we provide 20 weeks of elective time. This allows for the growth of personal knowledge and exploration of interests or areas of focus, which are crucial for becoming leaders in Emergency Medicine both domestically and internationally.

Electives are offered across a wide range of topics, including ICU electives to hone critical care and procedural skills, subspecialty electives, and international electives for global medical experience. Residents are encouraged to develop their own electives if they have interests where a rotation is not already established. 

Many of our graduates use elective time to prepare for fellowships and routinely match at top training programs in subspecialties, such as Ultrasound, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, and Critical Care. Those choosing a career in community practice often secure leadership positions within their practices. We find that our generous elective time, coupled with mentoring from our dedicated faculty, allow our senior residents to develop extra skills and knowledge in self-selected areas of interests, creating a strong foundation for a multidimensional and dynamic career.

  • Group of people posing in a classroom or lab setting. Two individuals are wearing astronaut suits, while the others are dressed in casual or professional attire.

    One of our recent graduates (now an attending at Antelope Valley Hospital), Dr. Joshua Troke, doing an Aerospace Medicine elective with NASA!

  • Three individuals engaged in a hands-on medical training activity.

    Dr. Caleb Canders teaching ultrasound during a global health elective to Nicaragua.

  • Helicopter on a helipad, with a person walking towards it.

    Aeromedical Operations is a popular elective amongst the residents. The residents work closely with LA County Fire and LA Police Department as the onboard physician during diving accidents at Catalina Island, hiking and traffic accidents in the mountains.