University of Washington Program

The UW Urology Residency Program aims to recruit highly talented and diverse trainees while providing exceptional clinical and surgical training with the ultimate goal of developing future leaders in urology. This program is dedicated to preparing residents for both general urology practices and specialized fellowship opportunities in various subfields.

The residency comprises two principal tracks:

Residency Tracks

Clinical Track

Length: 5 years

Positions: 2

Clinical Training: Residents will undergo five years of clinical urology training.

Research Training: The program includes dedicated and protected research blocks during the U-3/U-4 years.

Research Track

Length: 6 years

Positions: 2

Clinical Training: Similar to the clinical track, residents will experience five years of clinical urology training.

Research Training: This track includes one year (PGY-4) dedicated to research in addition to ongoing research projects throughout residency.

Clinical Environment and Rotations

The University of Washington's residency program provides exceptional exposure across various renowned facilities:

• University of Washington Medical Center (UWMC) - A tertiary care center with specialized clinics, including Urologic Oncology and Kidney Stone Center.
• Harborview Medical Center (HMC) - A Level I adult and pediatric trauma center that also addresses genitourinary reconstructive surgery.
• VA Puget Sound Health Care System - This center features the only surgical robot in the region for advanced minimally invasive urology.
• Seattle Children’s Hospital - Recognized among the best in children's hospitals in the nation.
• Alaska Rotation - Senior residents can also gain experience in Alaska through partnerships with local urology practices.

Research Opportunities

The UW Urology Residency Program promotes a strong research environment, integral to training future surgeon-scientists. Residents are encouraged to engage in diverse research projects, including groundbreaking work in urologic technology and cancer research. The department's extensive resources enable collaboration with various institutes including Seattle Children’s Research Institute and the Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center.

Roles and Responsibilities

Residents progress through stages of responsibility throughout their training:

Interns (U1)

Interns will primarily focus on urology services while also experiencing general surgery and various subspecialty rotations.

Junior Residents (U2-U3)

These residents provide direct patient care and are involved in surgical teams, supporting medical students' educational experiences.

Senior and Chief Residents (U4-U5)

In the final years, residents take on leadership roles, coordinating others and managing clinical responsibilities while achieving significant surgical volumes.

Application Process

The application for the UW Urology Residency must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Key application requirements include:

• ERAS Application
• Personal Statement
• Three Letters of Recommendation (one from a urologist)
• USMLE Pass/Fail scores (Step 1 at the time of application; Step 2 scores recommended if available)

The program is particularly competitive and considers applications from both DO and IMG candidates. Applicants must have graduated medical school within the last five years and cannot have more than one failed attempt at any Step exam.

Salary and Benefits

The compensation structure is defined under the University of Washington Housestaff Association collective bargaining agreement. Benefits include a competitive salary, medical, dental and life insurance coverage, retirement plans, and a range of allowances including meal provisions at affiliated hospitals. Residents also enjoy a strong support system focusing on wellness, work-life balance, and family care.

Visa Sponsorship

The UW Urology Residency Program provides visa support options for international medical graduates (IMGs). The program can sponsor J-1 visas, which allow residents to pursue their medical training in the United States.

Unique Aspects

Notable features of the UW Urology Program include a comprehensive wellness program administered through the Graduate Medical Education office and a robust simulation curriculum to enhance resident skill acquisition in a controlled environment. The program is also noted for fostering continuity in mentorship and providing ample research opportunities.