University of Washington Program

Overview of the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship

The Transplant Hepatology Fellowship at the University of Washington is designed for individuals who are board-certified or board-eligible in Gastroenterology and have completed an ACGME-accredited Gastroenterology Fellowship. This one-year program provides a comprehensive clinical experience and is accredited by the ACGME

This fellowship emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating insights from hepatic pathologists, hepatobiliary and transplant surgeons, and interventional radiologists, thus ensuring a robust clinical training environment. Trainees gain experience across multiple facilities within the University of Washington System, including the University of Washington Medical Center and the Veterans Administration Puget Sound Health Care System, both of which boast active liver transplant programs.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship curriculum is structured around five essential skills that trainees must master: an in-depth knowledge base relevant to transplant hepatology, clinical care of hospitalized patients, technical procedures such as liver biopsies, ambulatory care skills, and ancillary skills tailored to each trainee’s career aspirations. The academic framework is largely based on ACGME Program Requirements, ensuring adherence to high educational standards.

Additionally, all fellows are encouraged to engage in clinical research training, allowing them to acquire the rigor necessary for addressing clinically relevant questions and effectively analyzing and presenting scientific data.

Specialized Areas of Training

Trainees have the opportunity to focus on specialized areas, including:

• Liver Pathology: Here, fellows learn critical techniques for preparing tissue sections and interpreting morphological changes in various liver diseases.
• Specialized Clinics: Trainees work at clinics that manage specific liver conditions, such as Hepatology, Liver Transplantation, and Liver Tumor Clinic, benefiting from targeted clinical expertise.

Application Process

The application process for the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship requires candidates to have completed their gastroenterology fellowship and be board-certified or board-eligible. Applications are typically accepted until January 31 for a fellowship commencing on July 1. A complete application includes a personal statement, CV, and three letters of recommendation, including one from the gastroenterology fellowship program director.

Moreover, the program is open to applicants who are not U.S. citizens and do not hold U.S. green cards but have exceptional credentials. This inclusivity adds to the diversity and competitiveness of the applicant pool.

Training Sites and Research Opportunities

The fellowship incorporates training across various prestigious sites, primarily utilizing the University of Washington Medical Center, which experiences high patient volumes and offers diverse transplant cases. With more than 2,000 liver transplants performed, the center has established a reputation for excellence and leads in patient care and research opportunities.

Fellows are not only involved in routine clinical care but also have ample access to participate in ongoing research studies and clinical trials aimed at improving transplant methodologies and patient outcomes. This focus on research enhances the educational experience and contributes to the advancement of the field.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international applicants, particularly those who do not have U.S. citizenship or green cards, thus fostering an inclusive and diverse fellowship community. The program evaluates the credentials of international applicants rigorously, focusing on exceptional qualifications to ensure high standards.

Competitiveness and Selection Criteria

Admission to the Transplant Hepatology Fellowship is competitive, as the program actively seeks candidates with exceptional credentials and previous gastroenterology training. The selection process emphasizes the importance of research involvement, clinical skills, and letters of recommendation, making it particularly suitable for candidates aiming to enhance their expertise in transplant hepatology.