University of Washington Program

The Pediatric Infectious Diseases Fellowship at the University of Washington is designed to foster the next generation of leaders in pediatric infectious diseases through comprehensive training that combines clinical expertise, research opportunities, and personalized mentorship. The program is structured to help fellows excel as academic researchers and proficient clinicians in Pediatric Infectious Diseases.

Program Goals

The primary mission of the program is to provide fellowship training that emphasizes the development of independent research capabilities, the acquisition of diverse clinical experiences, and engagement in educational activities. The fellowship strives to prepare trainees for impactful careers in the field, enhancing both clinical care and scientific inquiry in pediatric infectious diseases 1.

Research Training

Fellows are encouraged to collaborate with faculty from various esteemed institutions, including Seattle Children’s Hospital, the University of Washington, the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, and the Seattle Children’s Research Institute. The program supports fellows in formulating research objectives tailored to their specific interests, leading to the establishment of an independent research career 1.

Clinical Training

Clinical training is intensive and multifaceted, offering fellows exposure to a wide range of pediatric infections. This includes managing infections in healthy children as well as in complex cases involving immunocompromised and surgical patients. Training sites include:

Inpatient Care

The core of clinical training is provided at Seattle Children's Hospital, a quaternary care center with a broad referral network across five states. The inpatient service offers fellows extensive experience through consultative practice 1.

Outpatient Care

Fellows also engage in outpatient settings, managing patients in various clinics, including General Infectious Diseases, HIV/Virology, and Immunology Clinics. This component involves evaluating new consults and providing continuity of care post-inpatient treatment 1.

Clinical Laboratory Training

In their first year, fellows receive formal training in microbiology and virology labs, which is supplemented by practical interactions during hospital rotations. This prepares them well to navigate the complexities of laboratory diagnostics relevant to pediatric infectious diseases 1.

Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship involves a comprehensive didactic curriculum, which integrates case discussions with weekly educational sessions that align with the American Board of Pediatrics' specifications for Pediatric Infectious Diseases. Topics also include professional development and quality improvement initiatives 1.

Research Training Elements

Fellows select mentors post-acceptance, with the fellowship providing robust support for research project development. The program aims for each fellow to publish their findings in peer-reviewed journals upon completion, utilizing NIH training grants to bolster research endeavors 1.

Core Training Sites

Fellowship training occurs across notable institutions within Seattle, including:

• Seattle Children's Hospital: Known for its excellence in pediatric care and serving as the primary clinical training site.
• Seattle Children's Research Institute: A leading research center focused on childhood diseases with extensive funding for innovative projects.
• Harborview Medical Center: Offers experience in trauma and care for vulnerable populations.
• Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center: Renowned for its research and cancer therapies, providing exposure to advanced medical practices.
• UW Medical Center - Montlake: Recognized as one of the top academic health centers providing multidisciplinary care.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program offers two distinct tracks:

• Academic Research Track: Available for up to two fellows; requires U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to NIH funding.
• Clinician Educator Track: Accepted for one fellow per year with no citizenship restrictions, focusing on clinical practice and education.

Application materials include a personal statement, letters of recommendation, transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX scores. The diversity of applicants is valued, and the program strongly encourages underrepresented minorities to apply 1.

Visa Support

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorship, welcoming international medical graduates (IMGs). The primary visa types supported include J-1 visas for clinical and research training.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

This fellowship spot is highly competitive, encouraging applications from both U.S. medical graduates and IMGs. While there is an emphasis on academic achievements, the program does not specify stringent criteria regarding the number of failed STEP exams or specific graduation years, but typically prefers candidates that demonstrate a strong commitment to the field 1.

Community and Values

The program values diversity and actively promotes equity in its recruitment and training practices. Fellows participate in outreach and mentorship opportunities, reflecting the community-focused ethos of the division 1.