University of Washington Program

Epilepsy Fellowship Program Overview

The Epilepsy Fellowship program at the University of Washington is a one-year, ACGME-accredited fellowship dedicated to developing clinical proficiency in epilepsy medicine and related EEG skills. This program encompasses comprehensive clinical training in both medical and surgical management of epilepsy, along with the interpretation of a full spectrum of EEG studies, including outpatient, ambulatory, video-EEG monitoring, and ICU monitoring, as well as additional neurophysiological techniques like electrocorticography and functional mapping.

Program Structure

The fellowship is structured into adult and pediatric tracks, each designed to provide extensive exposure to epilepsy management. Adult fellows are required to spend 10 months at the adult program, while 2 months are dedicated to the pediatric component. Conversely, pediatric fellows will engage primarily in pediatric training while spending the requisite time in the adult program. Adult training occurs at the Regional Epilepsy Center located at Harborview Medical Center, while the pediatric sessions take place at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Training and Research Opportunities

A unique aspect of the fellowship is the inclusion of a 4-week elective period that allows fellows to engage in research or scholarly activities at their primary training site. During the fellowship, fellows closely collaborate with attending faculty within both the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit and EEG laboratory. Moreover, two half-day continuity clinics are held each week, enabling fellows to manage ongoing patient care effectively. The fellowship includes take-home call for EEG readings on a rotating schedule, providing intensive, hands-on experience.

Didactic Education

The educational component includes a structured didactic schedule that covers essential topics essential for mastering epilepsy medicine. Weekly teaching and patient management conferences are integral to the curriculum, ensuring fellows gain comprehensive knowledge and experience throughout the year.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

To be eligible for the Epilepsy Fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in neurology or child neurology by the start date of the fellowship. Candidates should hold permanent residency or citizenship status within the United States. Canadian citizens participating in equivalent accredited Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons residency programs are also eligible. Notably, the program will not be accepting applicants for the Pediatric Epilepsy Fellowship for the academic year 2026-2027.

Application requirements include the submission of an Application Form, Personal Statement, Curriculum Vitae (CV), and three letters of reference. Applications are processed through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and must be submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Services (ERAS) December cycle. The application process adheres to a structured timeline that includes due dates for applications, interviews, and the match results announcements.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Washington Neurology Department prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion as core values within its educational framework. The department is committed to cultivating a diverse community of scholars and recognizes the importance of including individuals of varied races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations. This commitment is believed to enhance patient care quality and foster an enriching learning environment.

Visa Sponsorship

The program recognizes the necessity to accommodate international candidates seeking fellowship training. The UW Epilepsy Fellowship can support J-1 visa sponsorship for qualified foreign national physicians, aligning with its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The program generally does not provide H-1B visa sponsorship unless individuals are deemed ineligible for a J-1 visa; such requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Epilepsy Fellowship at the University of Washington is regarded as a competitive program attracting both US graduates and international medical graduates (IMGs). Its unique structure and comprehensive training opportunities contribute to its appeal among candidates pursuing subspecialty training in epilepsy. The selection process is particularly rigorous, necessitating an excellent academic background, strong clinical references, and relevant experience.

Contact Information for Applications

While specific contact information for the fellowship director is detailed within the program’s resources, applicants should ensure they include all required materials in their application submissions and adhere to the provided timeline.