University of Washington Program

Located in the vibrant city of Seattle, the Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship at the University of Washington is a prestigious one-year program based at Seattle Children’s Hospital, a globally recognized leader in pediatric anesthesia, care, research, and education. This fellowship not only aims to cultivate the skills of aspiring pediatric anesthesiologists but also seeks to advance knowledge through innovative research and dedication to exceptional patient care.

Training Environment

Seattle Children's Hospital is the only pediatric hospital worldwide that provides real-time insights into individual clinical practice metrics, allowing fellows to continuously monitor and enhance their performance. The program prides itself on a faculty comprised of esteemed pediatric anesthesiologists who are committed educators and mentors. Additionally, fellows have access to cutting-edge facilities, ensuring they receive hands-on training with the latest technologies in pediatric anesthesia.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship consists of a comprehensive curriculum blending extensive clinical exposure with advanced educational opportunities. The program features 24 half-month rotations covering:

• Ambulatory (1 rotation)
• General Operational Room (13 rotations)
• Cardiac Operational Room (4 rotations)
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (1 rotation)
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (1 rotation)
• Pain Management (2 rotations)
• Sedation (1 rotation)
• Teaching Fellow (1 rotation)

This rotation structure ensures that fellows gain the necessary experience across multiple services, including specialized areas like cardiac anesthesia and pain management, enhancing their clinical proficiency.

Educational Program

The didactic education is centered around a robust core curriculum, emphasizing key aspects of pediatric anesthesia, including:

• Pediatric anesthesia practices
• Advanced techniques in pain management
• Specialized topics in cardiac anesthesia

The program includes multiple educational offerings such as:

• Grand Rounds
• Quality improvement and patient safety rounds
• Journal clubs
• Complex case presentations
• Workshops focused on pediatric airway management and point-of-care ultrasound
• Medical simulation experiences

Moreover, the fellowship emphasizes the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare, preparing fellows to meet the needs of diverse patient communities effectively.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are encouraged to engage in innovative research, either by contributing to ongoing projects or initiating their own. They benefit from a supportive environment that fosters collaboration with faculty from Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, and other research institutions. The program also offers opportunities to present at conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals.

Financial Support

The fellowship provides a competitive salary aligned with the University of Washington GME schedule, as well as additional benefits including:

• A housing and travel allowance of approximately $8,500 per year for the AY25-26
• An academic allowance of $1,500 to cover educational expenses

PTO and Leave Policies

PTO and leave policies are structured to ensure a balanced and productive work-life environment, with specific allowances outlined in the UW Resident and Fellow Physician Union contract.

Visa Support

The fellowship program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) who meet eligibility requirements, providing J-1 visa sponsorship through the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). H-1B visa sponsorship may be available only for those currently in the U.S. on that visa type.

Application Process and Competitiveness

The application process is competitive; candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited anesthesiology residency and passed USMLE Steps 1, 2, and 3. The fellowship is recognized as DO/IMG-friendly, making it a viable option for diverse applicants. Applications are submitted through a common platform (SF Match) with a deadline for submission. Interviews are conducted virtually, allowing access to a broader pool of candidates.

With its emphasis on clinical excellence, research innovation, and dedication to advancing pediatric anesthesiology, the University of Washington Pediatric Anesthesiology Fellowship represents a unique opportunity for medical professionals aspiring to specialize in this vital field.