University of Washington Program
Location:
Seattle, WASpecialty:
Complex family planningACGME Code:
2365422002The University of Washington Complex Family Planning Program is designed to provide specialized care in contraception and abortion services. It offers a comprehensive approach to family planning, ensuring that patients receive individualized care in a respectful and supportive environment.
Program Overview
The program consists of board-certified specialists who have completed advanced fellowship training in various aspects of family planning, including contraception options and abortion care. The program is committed to empowering patients and advocating for their reproductive rights, emphasizing education, research, and community engagement (1).
Curriculum and Training
The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, involving education in family planning, pregnancy loss, abortion care, and contraceptive options. The program offers opportunities for residents to gain hands-on experience in clinical environments, ensuring exposure to diverse patient populations and clinical needs.
Clinical Rotations
Residents participate in rotations at various facilities, including:
- Family Planning Clinic at UW Medicine, part of the Women’s Health Care Center
- Harborview Medical Center
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center
- Cedar River Clinics
This diverse training environment helps residents develop practical skills and comprehensive knowledge, making them well-prepared for careers in complex family planning.
Research Opportunities
The program encourages fellows and residents to engage in critical clinical research aimed at answering pressing questions in the field of complex family planning. This involves investigating trends in contraceptive use, assessing barriers to reproductive healthcare access, and evaluating the effectiveness of abortion care practices. Participation in research enriches the training experience and is supported by a robust faculty who are national leaders in reproductive health research (1).
Unique Aspects of the Program
One of the defining aspects of the program is its commitment to providing a nonjudgmental space for care. This includes catering to patients from various cultural backgrounds and providing interpreter services for non-English-speaking patients. The inclusive nature of the program aims to foster trust and comfort among patients seeking sensitive healthcare services.
Training Sites
The primary practice site is the Family Planning Clinic at UW Medicine, with consultations and services also provided at several affiliated health centers, ensuring that residents gain exposure to a wide variety of clinical scenarios and patient demographics. This exposure is vital for building competency in managing complex family planning cases.
Visa Support and Sponsorship
The program offers visa sponsorship options for qualified international medical graduates. The types of visas that may be supported include J-1 and H-1B visas, which facilitate training for international fellows and residents who meet specific eligibility criteria.
Competitiveness of the Program
The program is known to be competitive, attracting a broad range of applicants. It is perceived as friendly to both DO (Doctor of Osteopathy) and IMG (International Medical Graduate) candidates, with an emphasis on diverse backgrounds and experiences as important factors in selection. Applicants should be prepared for a rigorous application process that evaluates both academic credentials and personal commitment to family planning.
Application Requirements
Prospective applicants should be mindful of specific application requirements, which may include:
- Year of graduation from medical school
- Limitations on previously failed United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) attempts
- Clinical experience or demonstrated interest in family planning
Understanding these guidelines is essential for candidates looking to apply, ensuring preparedness for the selection process.
Website
Director
-- Appointed Since January 1970 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
50hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$87,960First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Seattle, WA
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Living in Seattle, WA
- Climate: Seattle has a mild, temperate climate with relatively cool and wet winters and warm, dry summers. It's known for its frequent rainfall and overcast skies.
- Population: Seattle has a diverse population with significant Asian, Hispanic, and African American communities.
- Safety: Seattle has a moderate crime rate compared to other U.S. cities of similar size. The city is generally considered safe, but like any urban area, caution should be exercised, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Cost of Living: Seattle has a high cost of living, particularly in terms of housing. However, salaries in the area are generally higher to compensate.
- Education: Seattle is home to a number of prestigious educational institutions, including the University of Washington and Seattle University.
- Activities: Seattle offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, skiing, and water sports. The city also has a vibrant arts scene, numerous museums, and a wide range of dining options.
- Nearby Cities: Larger cities like Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, British Columbia, are relatively close to Seattle. Portland is about 2.5-3 hours away by car, while Vancouver is about 2.5-3.5 hours away depending on traffic.
- Pros: Seattle is a tech hub with a strong job market in various industries, beautiful natural surroundings, a lively food scene, and a strong sense of community.
- Cons: High cost of living, traffic congestion, and frequent rainfall may be viewed as drawbacks for some individuals.
Interview Questions
