University of Washington School of Medicine Program

Overview

The Child Abuse Pediatrics Fellowship Program at the University of Washington and Seattle Children's Hospital aims to train pediatricians to become leaders in clinical, academic, educational, and administrative functions in the field of Child Abuse Pediatrics (CAP). This program educates fellows to evaluate, diagnose, manage, and treat child abuse and neglect, while collaborating with community partners and engaging in multidisciplinary teams for case investigations. The fellowship is based at one of the leading children's hospitals in the United States.

Program Structure

This ACGME-accredited 3-year fellowship integrates a clinical training experience resembling daily CAP practice throughout the program duration. The fellows are involved in various areas, including physical and sexual abuse, medical abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect. They will spend significant time working with organizations such as child protective services and law enforcement to foster a comprehensive understanding of the multidisciplinary approach to child maltreatment.

Fellows are expected to participate in weekly multidisciplinary meetings that focus on regional child abuse networks and case reviews, providing a collaborative training environment. The program also allows fellows to gain experience through a strong academic faculty network, enhancing clinical education and research opportunities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum of the fellowship offers a unique approach, with a less rigid structure compared to residency programs. It encompasses a longitudinal experience where fellows spend 1-1.5 days a week on-call, alongside one weekend monthly, providing hands-on experience under supervision. One day per week is dedicated to patient visits at the Harborview Abuse and Trauma Center (HATC), and other days are spent on longitudinal case management and educational endeavors. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing one-third of the time for research, facilitating academic growth and allowing fellows to explore specific areas of interest.

The program encourages fellows to self-direct their elective time, with opportunities across many pediatric specialties such as dermatology, genetics, and neurosurgery. Fellow teaching responsibilities include leading journal clubs and delivering presentations, allowing them to hone their teaching skills.

Research and Education Opportunities

Fellows are provided with ample opportunities for research mentorship within the CAP team, allowing them to engage in various scholarly activities throughout the fellowship. They can also pursue a Master of Science or Master of Public Health degree funded by the program, further bolstering their academic credentials.

Furthermore, the program emphasizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, focusing on increasing representation of underrepresented groups in medicine and addressing health disparities.

Application Process

The fellowship accepts applications from candidates who have completed a pediatric residency and are board eligible. However, due to funding limitations, only U.S. citizens or permanent residents can be accepted; the program does not sponsor J-1 or other visa types, making it highly *competitive* in terms of applicant pool.

Applicants must provide several components including a personal statement, CV, medical school transcripts, and three letters of recommendation. The application can be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). This thorough selection process ensures that only the most qualified candidates are entrusted with the responsibilities and challenges of the fellowship.

Core Training Sites

Seattle Children’s Hospital is the primary clinical training site, recognized as a leading pediatric referral center in the region. With 407 beds, it provides a comprehensive range of pediatric services and possesses a distinguished faculty affiliated with the University of Washington.

Fellows will also engage with Harborview Medical Center, known as a top academic medical center and the only Level I trauma center in the region. This exposure is invaluable for refining fellows' clinical skills in treating complex cases of trauma and abuse.