University of Washington Program

The Nuclear Medicine Residency program at the University of Washington is committed to training exceptional professionals in the field of nuclear medicine, designed for board-certified diagnostic radiologists seeking specialty training, as well as U.S. medical school graduates aiming for a career in this specialty. Established in 1962, the program has a long tradition of excellence and is recognized for producing graduates who occupy faculty positions at major academic centers and practices.

Application Process

Applications for the Nuclear Medicine Residency program are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year, with candidates reviewed quarterly. However, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria before applying. It is essential that each applicant has completed at least one year of ACGME-accredited postdoctoral clinical medicine training in the United States. There is a waiver available for international medical graduates who are board certified in diagnostic radiology in their home country, allowing them to bypass the PGY-1 training requirement.

All applicants must also have passed USMLE Step 3 prior to an interview. The application packet should include a completed application form, a current CV, scores from USMLE Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 3, medical school transcripts, a Dean's letter, a diploma, a personal statement, and at least three letters of reference from professional contacts. Ensuring the application is complete is crucial, as incomplete applications may not be considered.

Curriculum Structure

The Nuclear Medicine Residency program comprises one to three years of training, guided by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) standards. It provides a structured and comprehensive educational experience encompassing the fundamental sciences and clinical practices of nuclear medicine imaging and therapy.

The program fosters an environment where residents can develop into proficient nuclear medicine practitioners. It emphasizes the integration of diagnostic scans and therapies within patient management while providing ample opportunities for residents to become educators and independent researchers. This integrative approach to imaging enables trainees to evaluate medical conditions in the context of extensive clinical data, tailoring interpretations to individual patient needs.

Training Sites

Nuclear Medicine residents train at five affiliated teaching hospitals located in Seattle. Each of these sites possesses well-equipped nuclear medicine services with advanced imaging technologies, including conventional gamma cameras, SPECT/CT, and PET/CT scanners, which allow residents to engage with a variety of complex cases. The primary training sites include:

• **University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake (UWMC-M)**: A major academic health center known for its exceptional multidisciplinary care.
• **Harborview Medical Center (HMC)**: A public hospital that serves a diverse patient population and is a recognized trauma and burn center.
• **Seattle Children’s Hospital (SCH)**: The region's premier pediatric academic medical center, providing extensive training in pediatric nuclear medicine.
• **Seattle Cancer Care Alliance (SCCA)**: A collaborative center focused on oncologic conditions, with a dedicated imaging arm.
• **Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Healthcare System (VAPSHCS)**: A key hospital providing a full spectrum of services and renowned for its excellence in veteran care.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research and development of new imaging strategies tailored to unmet clinical needs. Collaboration between clinical faculty and basic science experts forms the foundation for groundbreaking research, enabling trainees to explore and innovate in the field of nuclear medicine.

Competitiveness and Visa Support

The Nuclear Medicine Residency program is competitive, attracting a wide array of applicants, including both U.S. and international medical graduates. The program welcomes DOs and IMGs, particularly those with certifications in diagnostic radiology. International applicants can receive sponsorship for various visa types, including J-1 visas, which facilitates their residency in the United States.

Faculty and Mentorship

The teaching staff within the Nuclear Medicine Division comprises highly knowledgeable faculty with numerous specialties in both clinical practice and research. They are dedicated to mentoring residents, ensuring that trainees acquire a robust understanding of both practical and theoretical elements of nuclear medicine.