University of Washington Program

The Gastroenterology Fellowship at the University of Washington is a distinguished program established in 1950, emphasizing training in research, clinical gastroenterology, and education. The program's mission is to cultivate fellows who will excel in academic medicine and emerge as leaders in the field of gastroenterology and hepatology.

Program Focus

The program is structured to develop compassionate gastroenterologists equipped with essential cognitive, technical, and interpersonal skills. It focuses on three core areas: providing outstanding patient care, engaging in education for future trainees and colleagues, and advancing research in gastrointestinal and liver diseases. The program encompasses three distinct training pathways: the 3-year Clinician-Teacher track, the 4-year Physician-Scientist track (NIH/T32 funded), and the 3-year Dual Gastroenterology/Transplant Hepatology Track (third year). Additionally, fellows can pursue a one-year ACGME-accredited fellowship in Transplant Hepatology or a non-ACGME accredited fourth year in Advanced Endoscopy.

Training Sites

Fellows gain experience through rotations at five unique training sites in the Seattle area. These sites include:

• University of Washington Medical Center - Montlake
• University of Washington Medical Center - Northwest
• Harborview Medical Center
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center

Each site offers diverse exposure to the full spectrum of gastroenterology and various practice patterns.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is comprehensive and aligns with the Gastroenterology Core Curriculum developed by prominent gastroenterological societies. The program adheres to ACGME requirements, providing training across two levels: Level I for general gastroenterology and hepatology, and Level II for complex cases. Training includes essential clinical skills, endoscopic procedures, and opportunities for scholarly projects that engage clinical research. Specialized training areas encompass GI Pathology, GI Radiology, and clinics focused on specific disorders, such as hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease.

Pathways

The fellowship offers three main pathways to guide fellows toward their career goals:

• Clinician Teacher Pathway: This three-year program emphasizes patient care, teaching, and clinical research. Fellows have rotations in general gastroenterology and advanced hepatology.
• Physician Scientist Pathway: This four-year track is tailored for those interested in becoming independent research investigators. It includes extensive research training alongside clinical rotations.
• Hepatology Fast Track: For those who demonstrate adequate proficiency, this pathway allows exceptional fellows to transition to a Transplant Hepatology Fellowship after two years of training.

Scholarly Activity

All fellows are expected to engage in research activities, regardless of the pathway chosen. Those in the Physician Scientist Pathway participate in two years of formal research supported by NIH T32 funding, while Clinician Teacher Pathway fellows enjoy designated academic time for research. Faculty guidance and monthly workgroup sessions facilitate research development and troubleshooting, enabling fellows to contribute to quality improvement projects and academic presentations.

Visa Support

The program welcomes applicants who are international medical graduates and offers visa sponsorship for exceptional candidates. It recognizes the value of diversity in its cohorts and considers applications from non-U.S. citizens who demonstrate outstanding qualifications.

Application Process

Prospective fellows must meet specific requirements, including submission of a CV, medical school transcripts, USMLE scores, and at least three letters of recommendation. The program maintains a competitive selection process to ensure that candidates possess the credentials necessary for success within the fellowship.

With a strong commitment to developing future leaders in gastroenterology, the University of Washington's fellowship program provides a rich training environment for both clinical and academic pursuits.