Fellowship Application & Requirements

Eligibility

All applicants to the UCSF Abdominal Transplant Fellowship Program must:

• Complete a general surgery residency program by the start of fellowship
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder)

Please see our FAQ page for additional information about applicant eligibility. Fellows will be selected through the Abdominal Transplant Surgery Fellowship Match operated by SF Match. 

In accordance with Federal and State law and University policy, the University of California does not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, health, or disability. For detailed information, please visit the Office for the Prevention of Harassment and Discrimination.

Deadline

The ASTS accredited UCSF Abdominal Transplant Fellowship Program accepts two candidates each year. Applications and matches will be completed through SF Match for the 2027-2029 cycle. A completed Central Application Service form, current CV, (3) letters of reference and CAS distribution list and payment are required for a complete application.

Note: Only completed applications will be distributed and it may take up to two weeks for UCSF to receive applications from SF Match. Any applications sent directly to the UCSF Abdominal Transplant Fellowship Program will not be considered. 

Key Dates 

Fellowship Application FAQs

• Who can apply?
  Foreign medical graduates (FMGs) are eligible only if he/she meet all of the following:
  • Holds a valid and current ECFMG certificate. ECFMG certificate MUST be valid at the start date of the program. For foreign nationals who are medical graduates of LCME accredited schools in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, copies of the diploma will suffice in lieu of an ECFMG certificate
  • U.S. citizen or permanent resident (Green Card holder)
  • Qualifies for a full, unrestricted California medical license
  • Taken and passed appropriate medical licensure examinations; i.e. NBME, FLEX, LMCC, MCCQE or USMLE/COMLEX
• How do I apply to the UCSF Abdominal Transplant Fellowship Program?
  We currently accept two candidates each year with selection taking place one year in advance of program start. All applicants need to submit their application and ranking through SF Match. Registration opens on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 and UCSF’s application deadline for AY 2027-2029 positions is Monday, February 16, 2026. Although we have a specific deadline for each application cycle, inquiries are accepted throughout the year. It is your responsibility, as the applicant, to make sure that your application is complete at the time of submission.
• Is it necessary to obtain a California medical license before applying?
  No. While you do not need to have a California medical license before applying, you must be eligible to obtain one if accepted into the program. If you match with our program, you will have ample time to complete our appointment packets and apply for a California medical license. Your acceptance is contingent upon successful completion of appointment, credentialing and licensing requirements. Click here for additional information about California medical licensure.
• Can I apply if I am a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) candidate instead of a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) candidate? 
  Yes, we accept D.O. candidate applicants.
• Can I apply if I have training in Urology instead of General Surgery?
  No.  We do not accept applicants with Urology training, as all of our fellows train in both liver and kidney transplantation.  We feel that a General Surgery background is essential for training in liver transplantation.

Contact Us

Kristen de la Rosa
Program Manager
[email protected]