University of Washington Program
Location:
Seattle, WASpecialty:
Orthopaedic sports medicineACGME Code:
2685426001The University of Washington Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship offers a comprehensive training experience focused on athletic injuries. With a mission to develop knowledge and skills in clinical sports medicine, the program facilitates an immersive learning journey across clinical settings, including clinics, operating rooms, and training facilities.
The fellowship emphasizes surgical proficiency, particularly in both arthroscopic and open treatment techniques for a variety of injuries sustained in the shoulder, knee, elbow, hip, and foot/ankle areas. This multifaceted approach prepares fellows for the nuances of sports medicine practice while integrating hands-on experience and didactic learning, ensuring a well-rounded educational pathway.
1Fellowship Curriculum and Structure
The educational structure of the fellowship is designed to balance clinical practice, research, and learning. On a weekly basis, fellows typically dedicate about two days to operating room duties, two days to outpatient clinic responsibilities, and allocate one day for research activities, allowing flexibility in experience and learning.
Notably, there are no on-call hospital duties required of fellows, although they do have team-coverage duties which may extend into evenings and weekends. This structure allows fellows to gain practical experience while maintaining a manageable workload.
1Clinical Training Sites
The fellowship includes access to several key clinical training sites that enhance the educational experience:
- Sports Medicine Center (SMC) at Husky Stadium
- University of Washington Medical Center Montlake Surgery Pavilion
- UWMC Roosevelt Ambulatory Surgery Center
- Outpatient Medical Center at UWMC Northwest
This diverse array of training facilities provides fellows with exposure to various settings and patient populations.
1Research Opportunities
Research is an integral component of the fellowship. Fellows have access to advanced research facilities, including the Computational, Robotics, and Experimental (CoRE) Laboratories, which house equipment for biomechanical studies and outcomes research. This includes technology such as an 8-camera motion capture system and tailored biomechanical instrumentation that aligns with current sports medicine research trends.
Additionally, the department has previously tracked patient outcomes extensively, providing a wealth of data for those interested in engaging in clinical research projects during their fellowship tenure.
1Qualification and Selection
To be qualified for the fellowship, applicants must have completed an accredited residency in orthopaedic surgery prior to commencing the fellowship. A strong commitment to academic medicine is critical. Application procedures include submission through the SF Match, coupled with three letters of recommendation and a current curriculum vitae. Candidates are selected based on the SF Match process, which entails scheduled interview invitations in December.
1Visa Support
The University of Washington Orthopaedic Sports Medicine Fellowship offers visa support for international applicants. The fellowship can sponsor J-1 visas, which are commonly used for foreign medical graduates pursuing postgraduate training in the United States. This provision enables international candidates to participate in the program, enriching the fellowship cohort with diverse perspectives and experiences.
1Competitiveness
The fellowship is competitive due to the prestigious nature of the University of Washington program, attracting high-caliber applicants. It is welcoming to Domestic Osteopathic graduates (DO) and International Medical Graduates (IMG), considering a broad range of applicants while maintaining rigorous selection criteria.
1Special Application Requirements
Special considerations during the application include previous residency completion in orthopaedics and a dedication to academic orthopaedic practice. Typically, there is no stated limit on the number of attempts for examinations such as USMLE/STEP, but candidates are expected to have proven competence and success in their medical training. As such, applicants should prepare thoroughly to present a strong application that showcases their medical knowledge and clinical experiences.
1Website
Coordinator
Program
Program Size
Composition
Quality of Life
First year average hours per week:
40hrsFirst year max cons. hours on duty:
12hrsFirst Year Salary:
$91,692First Year Paid Vacation:
-First Year Paid Sick Leave:
-Training
Fellowship Rate:
-Faculty to Residents Ratio:
8XResidents 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
