University of Washington Program

Overview

The University of Washington offers a specialized Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship through its Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology. This one-year, ACGME-accredited program is designed to train exceptional pediatric transplant hepatologists who can excel in clinical practice and research. The program is situated in Seattle and integrates the resources of Seattle Children’s Hospital, the University of Washington, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, all renowned for their commitment to pediatric healthcare and research.

Program Goals and Structure

The program's objective is to provide fellows with comprehensive clinical and research training that equips them to become independent hepatology consultants. To be eligible, applicants must be board-eligible pediatric gastroenterologists who have completed an ACGME-accredited fellowship by a specified deadline.

Curriculum

Clinical Training

Fellows gain extensive experience in managing a range of pediatric liver diseases. Training includes:

• Managing portal hypertension.
• Selection and procurement for liver transplantation.
• Treatment of infectious hepatitis and biliary diseases.
• Long-term post-transplant care.

Clinical services at Seattle Children’s Hospital include performing 15–20 pediatric liver transplants annually while overseeing over 100 post-transplant patients. The fellows will actively participate in inpatient and outpatient care, providing consultative services and developing procedural skills necessary for effective hepatology practice.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes research participation, enabling fellows to engage in various clinical and translational research projects. With extensive NIH funding, fellows have access to ample resources and mentorship opportunities in conducting studies to advance the understanding of pediatric liver diseases and transplantation.

Core Training Sites

The primary training site for the fellowship is Seattle Children’s Hospital, which serves as both a community hospital and a referral center for pediatric care. Additional training occurs at the University of Washington Medical Center, a comprehensive teaching hospital known for adult gastroenterology and hepatology training.

Diversity and Inclusion

The University of Washington is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. The program actively seeks to create a community where all individuals feel valued and included, which significantly enhances the learning experience for all participants.

Visa Support

The program is equipped to sponsor J-1 and H-1B visas for qualified international applicants, ensuring a supportive transition for non-U.S. citizens who meet eligibility criteria.

Competitiveness and Applications

The Pediatric Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is competitive, given its association with esteemed institutions in the field. Applicants must have a strong background in pediatrics and pediatric gastroenterology to be considered. Specific application requirements include:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited pediatric residency.
• Board eligibility or certification in General Pediatrics.
• A completed ACGME-accredited fellowship in Pediatric Gastroenterology.

Applications are submitted via the ERAS system, and candidates are expected to provide a current CV, personal statement, letters of recommendation, and USMLE scores. The program's application cycle typically begins in the fall.