University of Washington Program

The program offers a one-year ACGME accredited fellowship in diagnostic pediatric radiology, hosted by the University of Washington Department of Radiology in collaboration with its affiliate, Seattle Children’s Hospital. This institution is dedicated to providing exceptional care, conducting pioneering pediatric research, and offering educational opportunities across a vast region, including Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, making it one of the largest pediatric medical centers in the United States. U.S. News & World Report has consistently recognized Seattle Children’s Hospital as one of the premier children’s hospitals nationally, ensuring an elite educational environment for fellows 1.

One of the primary aims of the fellowship program is to provide a robust clinical imaging training environment. Fellows will acquire necessary tools and knowledge to practice high-caliber pediatric diagnostic imaging, focusing on contemporary and appropriate procedures 1. The pediatric radiology section performs more than 170,000 radiological examinations annually, offering broad exposure to diverse imaging modalities.

Seattle Children’s Hospital is home to a diverse spectrum of subspecialty pediatric services. Training involves a dynamic mix of experiences in inpatient and outpatient settings, allowing fellows to develop experience in a variety of pediatric conditions, including oncology, neonatology, and neurology 1. With a faculty of 25, including 4 fellows, and an active rotation of residents, the learning environment is rich and collaborative.

Clinical Training and Rotations

Fellows in the program engage with multiple imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, radiography, and fluoroscopy, among others. They will also participate in shared overnight and weekend on-call shifts with residents from various hospitals, providing essential hands-on experience 1. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration through conferences and teaching opportunities, as fellows have ample chances to interact with medical students and residents, fostering a culture of education and mentorship.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship program emphasizes the integration of physiological research into clinical practice. Dedicated research time is allocated, separate from clinical work hours, enabling fellows to pursue individual research interests in pediatric radiology and contribute to the academic body of knowledge 1. This balance between clinical work and research is essential for fellows who aim to advance their careers in pediatric radiology.

Application Process and Requirements

The University of Washington opens the application process for the fellowship with certain requirements that need to be fulfilled. Applicants must submit a complete application form, a personal statement, USMLE scores, a CV, three letters of reference, a medical school diploma, and a recent passport-sized photograph 2. Special consideration is given to international medical graduates as the program provides visa support, primarily sponsoring J-1 visas for fellowship training. An alternate pathway for ABR board certification is also available to international graduates, enhancing the program's inclusivity and accessibility 2.

Competitiveness and Support

The program is considered competitive, particularly for international medical graduates and individuals pursuing advanced training in pediatric radiology. The program values diversity in its fellowship candidates and strives to create an inclusive environment for all applicants. The support teams consist of specialized pediatric radiologists, technologists, and educational personnel who are committed to the fellows' learning experience 1.

Facilities and Resources

Training takes place at Seattle Children’s main campus and its three satellite centers, which are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and advanced diagnostic services 1. This access to high-level equipment and collaborative clinical practice enhances the overall educational experience and prepares fellows for future careers in both clinical and academic settings.

Graduation and Alumni

The fellowship program has a long-standing history, having trained nearly 100 pediatric radiologists since its inception. Graduates of the program can be found across the United States, demonstrating the program's success and impact in the field of pediatric radiology 3.