Application FAQs
Q: Is there a USMLE Step 1/COMLEX cutoff score to apply to your program?
A: We require a passing score.
Q: Do I have to have completed USMLE Step 2/COMLEX Level 2 before applying?
A: USMLE Step 1/COMLEX Level 1 scores are required. USMLE Step 2/COMLEX Level 2 scores are preferred, but not required to complete your application.”
Q: How do you submit an application?
A: Applications are accepted through ERAS – the Electronic Residency Application Service, administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). We do not accept paper applications.
Q: Do you accept COMLEX scores for DO candidates?
A: Yes, COMLEX scores are accepted.
Q: Is training in the US essential? What types of visas do you offer?
A: The UW Emergency Medicine Residency Program accepts applications from foreign national physicians meeting UW Eligibility and Selection requirements into our residency program. Foreign nationals requiring visa sponsorship must obtain a J-1 visa sponsored by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG). The UW does not provide H-1B sponsorship for residents.
Interview FAQs
Q: Does interviewing earlier or later improve my chances of matching?
A: The date of your interview has no bearing on your chances of matching with our program.
Q: Will there be a social event during my visit?
A: Yes! There are virtual hangouts planned that are typically at 5 PM on the evening before your interview day. These are designed to allow you to meet and talk with residents. Details for each will be sent out via e-mail if you have been selected to interview.
Curriculum FAQs
Q: Do you have an orientation block?
A: Yes. Our orientation block is the first four weeks of residency. It includes:
- ED shifts at Harborview Medical Center and University of Washington Medical Center.
- Certification in ATLS & PALS (ACLS should be completed prior to your start date).
- Didactic sessions and common EM procedure labs, including advanced airways, central lines, chest tubes, ultrasound, and more.
- Simulation, teamwork, and communication training in our state-of-the-art simulation lab.
- Scheduled social events.
Q: Are there teaching opportunities for the residents?
A: There are many teaching opportunities for residents. Residents are required to teach four conference lectures and present at journal clubs. In the ED, senior residents are responsible for helping teach the junior residents and medical students. Senior EM residents are expected to participate in the final evaluation of paramedic students by riding along and observing them in the field. Additional teaching experiences can be arranged during your elective months.
Q: What is teaching like during off-service rotations?
A: University of Washington resident and fellowship programs are some of the best in the country, and the UW School of Medicine is consistently ranked high. One of the strengths of our program is the excellence of the off-service rotations, each of which is designed to specifically develop skills as an EM physician. Residents will be taught by world-renowned faculty who are passionate about their field and will work alongside dedicated and highly recruited fellows and senior residents from multiple disciplines.
Q: Are there research opportunities for residents?
A: Yes. Our faculty have wide and varied research interests, and our residents are involved in various projects. UW Medicine ranks #13 among US academic biomedical research institutions in US News and World Report.
Q: How much trauma do I actually get?
A: Harborview Medical Center (HMC) is the only Level 1 Trauma Center for four states - Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Montana. HMC sees over 16,000 trauma activations per year, more than 5,000 of which are admitted. Residents will have ample opportunity to develop their trauma assessment and skills in this high-volume and fast-paced environment. Because of our large catchment area and diverse geography, we see not only the blunt and penetrating trauma common to urban areas but also wide-ranging injuries, such as mountaineering and skiing accidents, wildlife encounters, and water-related injuries.
Q: How is the residency involved in the Seattle community?
A: There are many areas and opportunities for voluntarism in Seattle. The EM residency plans to introduce an integrated elective community curriculum in 2014 for residents interested in learning more about the referral centers with which we interact regularly, such as the local homeless shelters, the Sobering Support Center, and the 1811 House. Residents who participate in this sub-curriculum will give presentations about their experiences during residency conference time and provide written resources to help other residents better understand the diverse needs of our community.
Q: Is it all work?
A: Our residents and faculty are highly motivated by clinical excellence, yet also maintain healthy social and recreational lives. Seattle is home to many lively neighborhoods, and our residents do not lack opportunities to hang out together for coffee, happy hour, great eats, music, and social events. Our weekly evening boat cruise has been very popular this summer, and we have enjoyed great weather for barbecues. There are many recreational opportunities and venues close by, and residents regularly get together for hiking, biking, climbing, and skiing adventures.