University of Washington Program

The Addiction Medicine Fellowship at the University of Washington represents a one-year program duly accredited by the Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The program is dedicated to cultivating a diverse cadre of compassionate physicians capable of delivering evidence-based patient care in the specialized field of Addiction Medicine. It aims to foster an intensive yet comprehensive learning environment, ensuring that trainees are prepared for varied experiences in Addiction Medicine throughout their careers 1.

Mission Statement

The mission is explicitly designed to support a new generation of physicians skilled in providing patient-centered care for individuals grappling with substance use disorders. The fellowship aspires to mitigate the impact of substance use disorders across the Pacific Northwest while striving to eliminate the stigma frequently associated with these conditions. Integral to the program is an educational focus aimed at equipping physicians with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes necessary to incorporate addiction treatment seamlessly within primary care settings as well as ensuring continuity of care during transitions from emergency and inpatient settings to outpatient environments 1.

Program Aims

Key aims of the fellowship include:

• Producing a varied cohort of physicians proficient in evidence-based care for substance use disorders.
• Creating an inclusive and supportive mentoring environment for fellows.
• Providing faculty-led opportunities for diverse learning in Addiction Medicine.

These goals align with the overarching objective to improve healthcare quality for underserved populations 1.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The program emphasizes training physicians from an array of backgrounds, designed to foster diverse ideas and collaborative work. The program actively supports reducing bias in healthcare systems while committing to equitable care practices tailored to serve diverse patient groups 1.

Curriculum

Fellows at the University of Washington Addiction Medicine Fellowship receive exemplary training across numerous diverse clinical settings. Core rotations include:

• Harborview Medical Center
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System
• Public Health – Seattle & King County

Within these environments, fellows engage with the Harborview Addiction Consult Service, the VA Addiction Treatment Center, and low-barrier clinics aimed at addressing opioid use disorders 2. The curriculum integrates a year-long interactive didactic program, which connects fellows from affiliate programs, enhancing collaborative learning.

Other Rotations

Fellows are afforded the opportunity to tailor their rotations to meet individual educational goals, with potential placements in:

• Outpatient pain clinics
• Addiction recovery services
• Specialty clinics across various domains including cardiology and infectious diseases

Moreover, a scholarly project is a requisite element of the fellowship, enabling fellows to collaborate with faculty mentors on topics related to substance use disorder education, quality improvement, and original research 2.

Training Sites

The fellowship provides access to various training locations, enhancing the learning experience through interaction with a heterogeneous patient population.

Harborview Medical Center

This primary teaching location is publicly owned and operated by UW Medicine, serving a medically underserved population. The center provides extensive rotations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including specialized addiction treatment 4.

King County Public Health – Downtown Clinic

Also a core outpatient training site, wherein fellows gain hands-on experience within the low-threshold outpatient clinic that accompanies a syringe access program 4.

VA Puget Sound Health Care System

Fellows are also involved here as this federally operated facility lends itself to both inpatient and outpatient learning experiences 4.

Application Process

Applications are processed through ERAS for the 2025-26 academic year. It is important to note that only highly qualified candidates will be considered, particularly those requiring visa sponsorship. Applications must include:

• A personal statement highlighting career aspirations and qualifications.
• A curriculum vitae.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director.

Visa sponsorship is available for exceptional applicants not holding U.S. citizenship, with further details accessible via the Graduate Medical Education Visa Policy 5.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is noted for being competitive, thus emphasizing the necessity for strong backgrounds and qualifications in prospective fellows. The commitment to fostering a diverse environment aligns with the intention to include candidates from various backgrounds, including International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and Doctors of Osteopathy (DOs) 5.