Didactic Curriculum

Triple Threat Days are a resident favorite. Residents participate in multi-disciplinary learning that involves rotating in three small groups among a simulation session, workshop, or case-based learning scenario. These sessions provide an increased depth into each topic and often utilize engaging formats such as escape rooms and board games.

In addition, Harbor-UCLA continually commits to developing interactive and innovative simulations by utilizing our expansive Simulation Center. In addition to “Triple Threat Days,” we run simulation sessions periodically throughout conference days to reinforce effective teamwork, communication, and resuscitation of critically ill patients.

Living and training in sunny southern California does have its perks. Twice a year, outside of the off-site journal clubs, we take our learning outdoors. Whether it’s small group sessions at Hermosa Beach, a wilderness adventure at Hopkins Wilderness Park in Redondo Beach, or reviewing toxic plants at the South Bay Botanic Garden, there is always something new to learn.

Conference-based ultrasound curriculum consists of a series of three workshops, taught and led by our renowned ultrasound faculty and fellows. These hands-on sessions review ultrasound basics (FAST, aorta, cardiac, gallbladder, renal) and advanced ultrasound techniques (venous access, orbital, procedural, nerve blocks, cardiac output, etc.).

We’ve designed the curriculum to supplement the substantial amount of ultrasound experience residents obtain in the Emergency Department. Additionally, residents complete two weeks of didactics and scanning shifts in their intern year with opportunities for an advanced ultrasound elective later in residency.

We hold Journal Club every other month, both on-site at Harbor-UCLA and off-site at various attending homes or local beaches and parks. Junior residents (PGY-2) and faculty members carry out in-depth discussions about three or four articles from the current literature. Our emphasis is on learning to critically read medical literature and highlighting various evidence-based practices and research methods in a relaxed and informal environment.

Senior residents present Morbidity and Mortality cases, where the focus is on mortalities, near misses, and errors of management that occurred in the Emergency Department. Guided by a faculty mentor, the presentations emphasize an interactive discussion and evidence-based practice changes in a collegial and supportive environment.

In addition to receiving training as a base station physician, as well as taking medical command calls on shift and direct reports from ALS and BLS providers, residents participate in triannual “Pre-Hospital Tape Review” sessions. Our EMS fellows and faculty guide us through recordings of pre-hospital paramedic runs that are educational.

Furthermore, our entire department, as well as various other hospital departments, participates in the California Statewide Medical and Health Exercise each fall for disaster preparedness that takes place during our didactic conference. Residents can also train with the Hospital Emergency Response Training (HERT) for Mass Casualty Incident team at their training facility in Los Angeles, CA, at one of the annual training sessions.

With a rich history in prehospital medical care, it should come as no surprise that Harbor-UCLA continues to serve Los Angeles County as a base station for online medical direction to prehospital providers.

During base station training, we teach second-year residents to communicate with EMS personnel and review the rules and regulations for giving medical commands. Training involves didactic and hands-on internship under the direction of one of our Mobile Intensive Care Nurses (MICNs) before certification.

We excuse senior residents from the department for an annual R4 retreat to discuss topics such as job searches, contract negotiation, malpractice insurance, medico-legal issues, and financial planning.

During each academic year, we divide senior residents by class to participate in “mock” oral boards. Mock oral boards take place after conferences, in a simulated environment, with experienced faculty and alumni to guide you through the process.

Each resident is required to produce a scholarly project suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal or text in emergency medicine. This may be a research project, literature review, retrospective study, case report, curriculum development, or book chapter.