University of Washington Program

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Washington aims to train future academic leaders in pediatric critical care medicine. This esteemed program actively seeks highly motivated individuals from diverse backgrounds to join its ranks, fostering an environment of excellence in mentorship, clinical practice, and research. The program provides the necessary tools for trainees to embark on successful careers that will advance the science and practice of pediatric critical care medicine 1.

Established in 1988 and fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the program offers fellows comprehensive clinical experience across various critical care settings, including Seattle Children's Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and focused rotations in Anesthesia. The training is structured to balance extensive clinical training with a robust educational curriculum and mentored scholarship activities tailored to individual academic interests 1.

Curriculum

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship is a three-year program aimed at developing core competencies outlined by the American Board of Pediatrics. Candidates who have completed an ACGME-accredited pediatric subspecialty fellowship may apply for a streamlined two-year training track if they meet the scholarly activity requirements from their initial fellowship. The program encompasses an intensive two-week “Boot Camp” that includes a lecture series, PALS recertification, PFCCS training, procedural training through simulation, and an ECLS workshop 1.

Clinical Training

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit – Seattle Children’s Hospital

The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital is a pivotal hub for critically ill patients from the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. Fellows assume essential roles in directing clinical care for children across the spectrum of pediatric critical illnesses, operate as leaders of emergency response teams, and engage in educational responsibilities by teaching pediatric residents during their rotations. Clinical responsibilities include full-day service and in-house overnight call schedules, providing fellows with in-depth, real-world medical experience 1.

Cardiac Intensive Care Unit – Seattle Children’s Hospital

The Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU) focuses on neonates and children with congenital and acquired cardiac diseases. Fellows are involved in direct patient care and collaborate with specialists, gaining exposure to advanced treatment modalities including cardiopulmonary bypass procedures. As first-line caregivers, fellows are integral to the CICU's multidisciplinary teams and participate actively in patient rounds and discussions with attending physicians 1.

Trauma/Burns Intensive Care Unit – Harborview Medical Center

As the major trauma referral center for the region, Harborview Medical Center provides fellows with the opportunity to care for pediatric trauma patients. Responsibilities in the Trauma/Burns ICU involve working closely with surgical services to ensure comprehensive care for youths suffering from severe injuries and burns, furthering their procedural skills in a critical setting 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, as fellows are encouraged to identify unique scholarly pursuits, underpinned by mentorship from a dedicated Scholarship Oversight Committee. Activities encompass a broad spectrum, including basic research on sepsis and outcomes, quality improvement initiatives, bioethics, and global health projects. Additionally, fellows have access to graduate-level coursework through the University of Washington, enabling them to expand their knowledge base and skill set effectively throughout the program 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Washington imbues a commitment to diversity in its fellowship training. The program values a spectrum of experiences and promotes equitable access and opportunities, integral to its operational ethos 1.

Application Requirements

The program has specific application requirements, including completion of an ACGME-approved pediatric residency program and submission of materials through the ERAS, including a personal statement, three letters of recommendation, and board scores. Applications are processed through the National Resident Matching Program, aligning with specific timelines for submitting applications and conducting interviews 1.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Critical Care Medicine Fellowship at the University of Washington offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates under certain types of visas, thus making the program accessible to qualified candidates globally. This support enhances the program's diversity and enriches the learning environment for all trainees involved 1.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is known to be competitive, attracting diverse candidates from various medical backgrounds. It is designed to be inclusive of DOs and IMGs, providing an equitable opportunity for all applicants interested in advancing their careers in pediatric critical care medicine 1.