University of Washington Program

The Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship at the University of Washington is a distinguished program hosted by the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine in collaboration with Seattle Children’s Hospital. This fellowship program is designed for either one or two years and is fully accredited. Graduating fellows are qualified to take the American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (ABPM&R) subspecialty examination in Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, an essential credential for practicing in this specialty.

Seattle Children’s Hospital itself is a notable 407-bed tertiary care facility with a 12-bed CARF accredited rehabilitation unit that caters to a four-state region, which includes Washington, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho. The structure of this fellowship emphasizes a comprehensive clinical experience within both inpatient and outpatient settings. The fellows are placed under the guidance of an attending physician, managing the care of children on the rehabilitation unit and concentrating on both medical and rehabilitation needs, while also leading an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team during the rotations.

The fellowship allows fellows to engage with and learn from a team of seven board-certified Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine physicians. In this capacity, fellows provide outpatient care to children and adolescents struggling with a variety of conditions, including but not limited to cerebral palsy, various neuromuscular issues, spina bifida, amputations, arthrogryposis, and injuries resulting from sports or accidents. Additionally, fellows frequently participate in interdisciplinary outpatient clinics, facilitating exposure to different therapeutic approaches and methods for managing various pediatric rehabilitation cases.

For those interested in academic pursuits, each fellow is required to complete a scholarly project under the guidance of a Scholarship Oversight Committee consisting of faculty from either Seattle Children’s Hospital or the Rehabilitation Medicine department at the University of Washington. This focus on research enriches the fellowship experience and contributes to advancements in pediatric rehabilitation.

Application Process

Interested candidates can submit their applications to the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship via the Electronic Residency Application System (ERAS). The application package should include:

• A current curriculum vitae
• Three letters of recommendation, one of which must be from the residency program director
• Board scores (from USMLE or COMLEX)
• A personal statement addressing their motivation for applying to Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, reasons for selecting the University of Washington for fellowship training, and their career aspirations for the next three to five years

The University of Washington will begin reviewing applications in July, with interviews conducted between September and October. Applications must be submitted by August 31. The program actively seeks to promote diversity and inclusion, strongly encouraging applications from underrepresented minorities and individuals with disabilities.

Selection Criteria

To be eligible for the Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine Fellowship, applicants must either be in their final year of residency or have completed residency training in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation. The compensation package for fellows aligns with the PGY-5 salary scale at the University of Washington and includes three weeks of vacation, along with additional days allocated for continuing medical education (CME) activities and national presentations.

Life in Seattle

Fellows at the University of Washington are not only offered professional training but also the opportunity to experience life in Seattle. The city is renowned for its vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and commitment to innovation in healthcare and education. Fellows can find enriching experiences both in and out of the clinical setting, fostering both professional growth and personal development.