Pediatrics is the study and treatment of children and childhood illnesses. Students of medicine have to put in years of hard work and academic preparation to become pediatricians. Academics involve four years of studying general medicine, a year of pediatric internship with two years of a pediatric residency program. There are many medical colleges in California providing this course of study. Good pediatrics colleges ensure students who graduate from their programs are proficient both theoretically and practically.

University of California, San Diego (UCSD) School of Medicine

The UCSD School of medicine has an exhaustive curriculum in its pediatric residency program. The program involves three years of residency inclusive of internship in the first year. The first year of residency involves the study of pediatric illness of varying complexity, community pediatrics, adolescent pediatrics and general pediatrics; the second and third years focus on neonatology, oncology, hematology and other specializations. Residents are given in-patient training at the Rady’s Children’s Hospital and the UCSD Newborn Nursery as well. Applications may be submitted online with other important documentations such as personal statement, dean’s letter, medical school transcript and United States Medical Licensing Examination Step 1 and Step 2 scores. Final selections are conducted through an interview process.

University of California, Davis School of Medicine

The Department of Pediatrics at the University of California, Davis School of Medicine conducts separate pediatric clerkship and pediatric residency programs that are nationally acclaimed. The clerkship program addresses basics in pediatrics and lays the foundation for the residency program. The residency program is inclusive of training in general pediatrics, pediatric intensive care, neonatal intensive care and various pediatric specializations. Community pediatrics and trauma care also are taught in the program. Residents receive hands-on training and exposure at the UC Davis Children’s Hospital. The program admits 12 residents annually.

University of California Irvine College of Medicine

The University of California Irvine College of Medicine offers a pediatric residency program that draws credibility because its residents receive training at three hospitals -- UC Irvine Medical Center, CHOC Children's Hospital and Miller Children's Hospital. Pediatric residency includes training in general pediatrics and areas of specialization such as pediatric hematology, oncology, allergy, immunology, critical care, cardiology and endocrinology. Admission applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application System. Applications may be submitted online with other important documentations and United States Medical Licensing Examination scores. Final selections are conducted through an interview process.

University of California San Francisco (UCSF) School of Medicine

University of California San Francisco's School of Medicine conducts the pediatric residency program with general and specialization pediatrics in its curriculum. Residents are given in-depth training and exposure to various childhood illnesses, behavioral development and treatments. The school admits 28 students annually. Residents undergo their training and internships at the UCSF Children’s Hospital.

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