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University of Washington Program
Overview
Program Overview
The University of Washington Program in Congenital Cardiac Surgery offers a comprehensive approach to treating patients with congenital heart diseases. This program provides multi-faceted care designed to meet the unique needs of adult patients with congenital heart diseases. The collaboration with Seattle Children's Hospital ensures a seamless transition of adolescent patients into adult care, emphasizing continuity and consistency in treatment.
1One of the distinguishing features of this program is its commitment to minimally invasive treatments. The team is composed of leading experts in congenital heart disease treatment, recognized among the first Comprehensive Care Centers designated by the Adult Congenital Heart Association. The program ranks as one of the largest and busiest in the country, underscoring the extensive experience and expertise offered.
2Curriculum and Training
The training within the University of Washington Program includes exposure to various common congenital heart conditions, such as atrial septal defects, transposition of the great arteries, and tetralogy of Fallot, among others. Residents participate actively in advanced imaging diagnostics, cardiac genetics care, and various transcatheter treatments, reinforcing their practical skills and clinical knowledge.
1Fellows can expect to engage in comprehensive clinical rotations across various service lines, including advanced heart failure and transplantation, interventional cardiology, and cardiothoracic surgery. Each rotation aims to expand the fellow’s expertise through hands-on learning, case studies, and collaborative care practice. The program emphasizes teamwork among specialists to provide efficient and high-quality patient care.
2Research Opportunities
The program encourages and supports research initiatives among its fellows, focusing on innovation in treatment methodologies and surgical techniques within congenital heart disease. Fellows are mentored to engage actively in clinical trials and research studies, with the goal of advancing knowledge within the field and improving patient outcomes.
1Additionally, the availability of strong interdisciplinary collaboration provides diverse learning opportunities across specialties. Research outcomes often lead to participation in national conferences, enhancing the academic credentials and exposure of fellows.
2Training Sites
The primary training site for the program is the Heart Institute at UW Medical Center – Montlake, which provides a state-of-the-art environment for managing adult congenital heart disease and related cardiology services. This facility is equipped with advanced technologies essential for both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
1Moreover, training extends to other facilities within the UW Medicine network, which includes specialized services for heart failure, electrophysiology, and cardiac rehabilitation. This broad exposure ensures fellows experience a wide range of procedural techniques, patient conditions, and treatment strategies across multiple settings.
2Visa and Application Requirements
The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates. Generally, the program is capable of sponsoring J-1 visas, which are often preferred for fellowship training in the United States.
1As for the competitiveness of the program, applicants should be aware that it is considered highly competitive. The program values diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG candidates, thereby encouraging a wide range of applicants with varying qualifications and experiences. Specific application requirements might include guidelines on the year of graduation and limits on failed STEP exam attempts.
2Unique Aspects
The University of Washington Program in Congenital Cardiac Surgery stands out for its collaborative care model, incorporating various specialties to ensure holistic treatment for patients with congenital heart disease. This teamwork approach is vital for managing the complexities of such conditions effectively.
1Moreover, the program thrives on a foundation of continuous learning, evidenced by its commitment to not only clinical excellence but also patient education and shared decision-making, which empowers patients and leads to improved health outcomes.
2Web sources
SmartPick
Program data
ACGME History [2]
Program
Program Size
1, 0 (2 years) [1]
Accreditation Status
Continued Accreditation
(Effective: December 5, 2025)
Composition
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Training
Fellowship Rate:--
Faculty-to-Residents Ratio:4X [1]
Residents Career Path
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Quality of Life
First Year Paid Sick Leave: --
First Year Paid Vacation: --
First Year Salary: $101,004 [1]
First Year Maximum Consecutive Hours on Duty: 24 hours [1]
First Year Average Weekly Hours: 80 hours [1]
Admission
USMLE Step 2 Score: --
Visa Sponsorship:--
YOG Cutoff:--
Race / Ethnicity
No race data available.
Gender
No gender data available.
Incoming Schools
No incoming school data available.
Rotation Duration by Site
Benchmarks
Roster
Publications
1 Publication (5 yr)
Peer-reviewed output from faculty and residents, last 5 years
1 Publication (5 yr)
Outcomes of Patients Undergoing the Kawashima Procedure at an Early Age: A Single Center Experience.
Location
Seattle, WA [4]
- Above the national average
- Below the national average
- Similar to the national average
Housing — Rental prices [5]
Rental prices
Crime — All violent offences [6]
Rate per 100,000 residents
FAQ
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References
1. Freida - https://freida.ama-assn.org/program/4665413003
2. ACGME - Accreditation Data System (ADS) - https://apps.acgme.org/ads/Public/Programs/Search
3. NRMP Results and Data: 2022-2026 Main Residency Match - https://www.nrmp.org/match-data/2026/03/program-results-2022-2026/
4. United States Census Bureau - https://data.census.gov/profile/City,_VS?g=160XX00US5363000
5. Zillow Research - Observed Rent Index (ZORI) - https://www.zillow.com/research/data/
6. FBI - Crime/Law Enforcement Stats (Uniform Crime Reporting Program) - https://www.fbi.gov/services/cjis/ucr