University of Washington Program

Program Overview

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship at the University of Washington’s Seattle Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive training experience encompassing the full spectrum of pediatric surgery. The program is distinguished by its high volume of neonatal, oncologic, and minimally invasive surgical cases, providing fellows with significant clinical exposure and experience in various pediatric surgical settings.

Clinical Experience

Fellows are involved in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of patients from birth through age 21, covering congenital malformations, oncologic procedures, and routine pediatric surgical cases. The clinical training includes vital rotations in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Harborview Medical Center, which serves as a trauma service. This extensive clinical exposure ensures that fellows develop proficiency in managing critically ill infants and children.

Fellowship Structure

This two-year fellowship consists of one available position each year. Fellows supervise and manage all patients on the pediatric surgery service while working closely with attending surgeons. Call responsibilities are shared between two clinical fellows and one to two research fellows, allowing for a collaborative learning environment. While specific research time is not formally allocated, fellows receive support and encouragement to present clinical projects at relevant regional or national meetings.

Educational Opportunities

Fellows are expected to participate in various national and regional meetings. The first-year fellow attends the American Pediatric Surgical Association (APSA) annual meeting, while the second-year fellow has the flexibility to attend a different conference of their choosing. Additionally, fellows can partake in one of two Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS) courses or specialized courses such as the St. Jude Oncology Course, all sponsored by the department.

Research and Professional Development

Although the fellowship does not include distinct research time, fellows are strongly motivated to engage in clinical research. They are expected to present original clinical research findings at applicable venues, enhancing their academic profiles and contributing to the field of pediatric surgery.

Application Requirements

To be eligible for the Pediatric Surgery Fellowship, candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Doctorate of Medicine
• Completion of chief residency in an ACGME-approved general surgery residency
• Eligibility to take the qualifying examination in General Surgery
• Pass on the American Board of Surgery In-training examination
• Hold certification in Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)

Application Materials

Applications are submitted via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and should include:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Brief personal statement
• Three letters of recommendation

Candidates must also be registered with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The current application season has closed, with the next application cycle set to open in December 2024 for a program year beginning August 2026.

Visa Support

The Pediatric Surgery Fellowship program at the University of Washington is committed to supporting international applicants. The program may sponsor visas for eligible candidates, facilitating participation in the fellowship for those who require it.

Competitiveness

This fellowship is noted to be competitive. The program is welcoming to both International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic physicians (DOs), increasing the diversity and breadth of experiences among fellows. Previous applications received indicate a robust interest in the program.

Conclusion

Fellows who complete this program are well-prepared for a career in pediatric surgery, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to excel in this demanding field.