University of Washington Program
Location:
Seattle, WASpecialty:
Obstetric anesthesiologyACGME Code:
0435404001Overview
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.
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Seattle, WA
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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.