University of Washington Program

Vascular Neurology Fellowship

The Vascular Neurology Fellowship at the University of Washington is a one-year, ACGME accredited program designed to develop competent vascular neurologists. Each year, the program selects four fellows for intensive clinical training primarily based at Harborview Medical Center, which serves a diverse patient population including approximately 800 ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke patients annually. This dynamic hospital is recognized as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Level 1 Trauma Center.

The fellowship emphasizes clinical training in vascular neurology, with rotations in complementary areas such as neuroradiology, neurocritical care, and neurosonology. The fellows also participate in acute stroke calls alongside the interventional team and have exposure to video telestroke, which strengthens their practical skills and decision-making under pressure 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to provide extensive exposure to various aspects of vascular neurology. Key rotations include:

• Inpatient Stroke Rotation: Fellows round with inpatient teams at Harborview Medical Center, engaging closely with faculty and learners.
• Stroke Phone: Fellows manage consults and triage patients utilizing TeleStroke technology.
• Neurocritical Care Service: Fellows handle severe neurological cases in the Neuro ICU.
• Transcranial Doppler Rotation: This rotation focuses on ultrasound imaging techniques.
• Neuroradiology: Fellows learn to interpret neuroimaging and participate in neurointerventional cases.
• Research Electives: Dedicated time for ongoing projects or new initiatives.
• Outpatient Stroke Clinic: Fellows manage chronic conditions and provide continuity of care in stroke clinics.

Attendance at various conferences such as the Neurology Lecture Series and stroke didactics is also expected, fostering an enriching educational environment 1.

Research Opportunities

Fellows are highly encouraged to engage in research, with faculty support for submitting abstracts and attending major conferences like the International Stroke Conference. Opportunities for seeking external research fellowships, including from AAN and NIH, are also available 1.

Application Process and Competitiveness

Applications for the fellowship are submitted through the ERAS system, requiring a CV, three letters of recommendation (including one from the current program director), a personal statement, and USMLE scores. Strong candidates typically have successfully completed an ACGME-accredited neurology residency. The program supports candidates who are DOs or IMGs, contributing to a doctrine of inclusivity 1.

Visa Support

The program offers J-1 visa sponsorship to international applicants, making it accessible to foreign graduates pending eligibility. The University of Washington generally does not provide H-1B sponsorship unless special conditions are met 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

What sets the fellowship apart includes its unique geographic location, offering a rich array of clinical scenarios due to its patient population drawn from diverse regions, including Alaska. Faculty members are noted for being approachable and dedicated to training and mentoring I₁ fellows in both clinical and research pursuits.

Furthermore, the fellowship has recently introduced a Pediatric Vascular Neurology track, allowing fellows to broaden their expertise and interaction with pediatric cases at Seattle Children’s Hospital, thereby enhancing the learning experience 1.

Living in Seattle

Apart from the extensive training provided, living in Seattle offers fellows a vibrant city with access to outdoor activities, cultural events, and a rich culinary scene. The city's unique blend of urban and natural beauty creates an appealing living environment for all residents.