University of Washington Program

Overview

The Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship at the University of Washington is a one-year, ACGME-accredited clinical fellowship that is hosted at the University of Washington Medical Center – Montlake campus. This program is highly regarded as it provides comprehensive education and training in the anesthetic management of high-risk pregnancy and delivery. The curriculum is designed to foster expertise in clinical care while equipping fellows with skills necessary for independent practice in obstetric anesthesiology.

Program Objectives

The main objectives of the fellowship include delivering evidence-based clinical care, training future obstetric anesthesiologists, promoting lifelong learning, and engaging in scientific discovery that benefits patient care. The fellowship emphasizes active learning, community engagement, and the development of a rich, diverse culture within the medical community.

Educational Structure

The fellowship uses the SOAP Joint Curriculum Project’s didactic schedule, covering all relevant topics and landmark papers. Fellows play an active role in teaching residents during their rotations, conducting simulation sessions, and participating in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) training.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows will experience clinical rotations across various specialties including:

• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Neonatology
• Transfusion Medicine
• Adult Congenital Heart Disease

This exposure enables fellows to engage with a diverse patient population and manage complex clinical scenarios that arise during high-risk pregnancies.

Clinical Experience and Practice

The obstetric unit at the UW Medical Center is a tertiary referral center for the WWAMI (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho) region, conducting approximately 2,000 deliveries annually. It is known for its high volumes of complicated cases, with a significant cesarean delivery rate of 41% and a continuous spinal epidural rate of 85%.

Fellows will participate in multidisciplinary rounds and gain insights into antenatal care by running pre-anesthesia high-risk consult clinics. They will also provide anesthesia for non-obstetric surgeries during pregnancy, which includes procedures such as fetal surgery and cesarean hysterectomy.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a vital role in the fellowship. Fellows are provided with protected time to conduct a research project and submit a case report for presentation at national conferences, such as the Society for Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology (SOAP).

Financial Support

The fellowship offers an annual stipend as per the UW GME salary schedule, along with a $1,500 academic allowance for educational materials, conferences, and exams. Fellows also receive benefits including a subsidized transportation pass, reimbursement for medical licensure costs, and support for ACLS and NRP certifications.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers sponsorship for J-1 visas for international applicants. H-1B visa sponsorship may be considered based on eligibility and prior agreements.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit a set of documents that includes a current CV, fellowship application, reference letters (including one from the residency program director), a medical license, and all relevant scores from USMLE/COMLEX. Applications are accepted from January 1 to April 30, with interviews conducted remotely.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, and the application requires successful completion of a residency program in anesthesiology. Candidates should have passed all USMLE steps or COMLEX equivalent, with no more than one attempt per step exam. The program has a leaning towards being friendly to DOs and IMGs, actively considering diverse backgrounds.

PTO and Leave Policy

Fellows are entitled to paid time off (PTO) as per the UW Resident and Fellow Physician Union – Northwest Contract, with all leave subject to American Board of Anesthesiology policies.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship emphasizes a strong commitment to lifelong learning, with an extensive focus on community outreach, advocacy, and creating an inclusive learning environment. Furthermore, fellows are empowered to foster new methodologies and innovations in the field of obstetric anesthesiology.