University of Washington Program
Location:
Seattle, WASpecialty:
Hospice and palliative medicine (multidisciplinary)ACGME Code:
5405414071The University of Washington Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program offers a one-year specialized training designed to cultivate experts in palliative medicine. This fellowship focuses on delivering exceptional care to patients suffering from severe and chronic illnesses of all ages, with particular attention to the growing elderly demographic. The program accommodates up to five post-residency physicians each year, who benefit from a comprehensive educational approach.
Clinical training involves diverse rotations across multiple settings, including inpatient consult services, palliative care units, long-term care facilities, and outpatient clinics. Specific elective rotations are available including geriatrics, oncology, pulmonary and ICU care, interventional pain management, and more, allowing fellows to tailor their learning experience. The fellowship also emphasizes research and quality improvement initiatives, preparing fellows for leadership roles in palliative medicine 1.
Clinical Training & Curriculum
Fellows engage in an extensive and detailed curriculum that comprises various clinical training pathways: Adult Track, Pediatric Track, and future Geri-Pal Track. The year includes approximately 6-7 months of inpatient palliative care consultation, 2.5 months of home hospice experience, and a month dedicated to long-term/inpatient hospice care. Additional components such as pain service rotations, outpatient continuity, and an ethics curriculum are integrated into the fellowship's framework 2.
This program adopts a multidisciplinary approach, involving interprofessional collaborations where fellows gain critical insights and skills by interacting with diverse healthcare professionals. The training sites include the renowned Harborview Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle Children's Hospital, and other esteemed facilities, which consistently rank among the best in the nation 3.
Application Process & Requirements
The application process for the Palliative Medicine Fellowship requires submissions through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Applicants must provide a completed application form, Curriculum Vitae, medical transcripts, letters of recommendation, and USMLE or COMLEX transcripts among other documentation. Importantly, international medical graduates and DOs are welcome to apply, provided they meet the requisite eligibility standards, having completed an appropriate residency program 4.
The fellowship actively encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and aligns with the mission of fostering an inclusive environment that reflects the community it serves. Additionally, the program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international candidates, ensuring that it's accessible to a broader range of applicants 4.
Fellow Support and Wellness
Recognizing the emotional and psychological challenges in palliative care, the fellowship promotes wellness among fellows. The program does not require night or weekend calls, apart from a few acting attending experiences towards the end of training. Instead, it fosters an environment where fellows can allocate time for personal well-being and professional growth. Monthly meetings are held to provide support for reflection and emotional debriefing 2.
Competitiveness and Unique Attributes
The University of Washington Palliative Medicine Fellowship is known for its competitive nature. Alumni of the program boast an impressive 100% board pass rate in hospice and palliative medicine. This fellowship not only builds clinical skills but emphasizes the professional growth of fellows as well-rounded practitioners in palliative care, with a strong emphasis on both education and leadership training 2. The fellowship also offers unique integration with interdisciplinary teams which is key to providing effective palliative care, capitalizing on the strengths of various healthcare disciplines to enhance patient outcomes.
Overall, the University of Washington's Palliative Medicine Fellowship stands out for its commitment to developing proficient, compassionate, and culturally responsive leaders in palliative care, equipped with the skills necessary to meet the demands of diverse patient populations 1.2.3.4.
Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
10hrsFirst Year Salary:
$84,672First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
6.2XResidents career path:
Admission
Min. Step 2 Score:
-Visa Sponsorship:
-YOG Cutoff:
-Location
Seattle, WA
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
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
