How to Apply

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We are so pleased that you are interested in applying to our program. Below is information that can get you started in the process, but feel free to contact us with any questions.

This is unpublished

ERAS

Program Contact

Dr. Lianne Hirano
Program Director
lhirano@uw.edu

Dr. David Gruenewald 
Co-Director
david.gruenewald@va.gov

Dr. Paula McPoland
Co-Director,
Pediatric Palliative Fellowship Track

Paula.McPoland@seattlechildrens.org

Shinetra Pryor
Program Administrator
gerhpm@medicine.washington.edu

All applications are processed through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Your ERAS application must include:

  • Completed ERAS application form
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Medical School Transcript
  • Medical Student Performance Evaluation
  • Personal statement addressing career goals
  • Photo
  • 3 letters of recommendation including one from your Residency Program Director. (If you completed residency training over one year ago, please include one from your medical director and two from colleagues familiar with your clinical work.)
  • USMLE or COMLEX transcripts
  • ECFMG Status Report (if applicable)

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, starting July 19. We recommend applying by early to increase the likelihood that you will get your first choice of an interview date.

Applicants with a VISA

Applicants who are not US citizens are welcome to apply. Qualified applicants will have completed an ACGME accredited residency prior to the start of fellowship in the following: child neurology, family medicine, internal medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, or radiation oncology; or at least three clinical years in residency program in anesthesiology, emergency medicine obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, radiology, or surgery.

For more information, please see the UW Graduate Medical Education Visa Policy.

Commitment to Inclusion and Diversity

The Palliative Medicine Program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds as we believe that our faculty and fellows should reflect the incredible diversity of the patients we care for.

More information about diversity in the University of Washington Department of Medicine can be found at https://medicine.uw.edu/diversity

Fellows are invited to serve on the Department of Medicine Diversity Council and the Network of Underrepresented Residents and Fellows.

Interviews and correspondence

Palliative Medicine Fellowship applicant interviews occur between September and October and are filled on a rolling basis. All interview correspondence, including interview invitation will be conducted through Interview Broker.

Applicants meet with members of our faculty and have an opportunity to interact with current fellows. We do our best to have applicants meet with faculty with which they share clinical, research, and/or education interests. If there is a particular faculty member you would like to meet, please let us know.

In our efforts to address equity, diversity, and inclusion through recruitment practices, we conduct ALL interviews virtually. We believe this reduces candidates’ stress and costs, makes interviews accessible and equitable, and reduces the environmental impact.

Interviews will be conducted through the Zoom platform on the following dates:

  • Tuesday, September 12, 8am –12pm
  • Tuesday, September 19, 8am– 12pm; Pediatric Track: 7am – 2pm
  • Tuesday, September 26, 8am – 12pm; Pediatric Track: 7am – 2pm
  • Tuesday, October 3, 8am – 12pm
  • Tuesday, October 10, 8am – 12pm; Pediatric Track: 7am – 2pm
  • Tuesday, October 17, 8am – 12pm; Pediatric Track: 7am – 2pm

The Match

Our program participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) in Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Our match codes are:

  • Adult Track - 1918540F0
  • Pediatric Track - 1918540F1

Hear from former fellows

Ellie Curtis

Ellie Curtis M.D., M.P.V.M

Assistant Professor of Surgery
Major
, United States Air Force
Trauma, Burns, Surgical Critical Care
UC Davis Health

 “Palliative Care fellowship was the polishing to the rough diamond surgery had made me. I am so grateful for my time at the University of Washington especially my work at Harborview and the VA. These institutions were so instrumental in my ability to take on a new role as a surgeon who can do more than just technical skills. While General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care taught me to keep the body alive, Palliative Care taught me how to interact with someone and just walk the road of their medical journey, sometimes as a guide and sometimes as a shadow-bearing witness. The mentorship of Doctors Vig, Hirano, Hurd, and so many others allowed me to refine the compassion in treating Trauma, a gift I continue to cherish. The variety of specialties within the Palliative Care department is vast. The respect gained and grown by working closely with those of different specialties, to find that common language, has and will continue to help me throughout my career. I would highly encourage anyone looking to improve their Palliative Care skills to consider the University of Washington for fellowship.”


Elizabeth Prsic

Elizabeth Prsic, MD

Assistant Professor, Yale School of Medicine
Director, Adult Inpatient Palliative Care
Firm Chief for Operations and Quality, Medical Oncology
Yale New Haven Hospital | Yale Cancer Center

“I feel so grateful for my time at University of Washington for hospice and palliative care fellowship. I had an incredible diversity in clinical education, and exposure to strong mentorship from a variety of subspecialties. 

After completing fellowship in medical oncology, I was able to broaden my exposure in non-cancer palliative care including pediatrics, neurology, critical care, trauma, and even with the homeless population in Seattle. Additionally, I was able to deepen my work in supportive oncology and palliative care and focus my outpatient clinic both at University of Washington Harborview and the SCCA (Fred Hutch). 

When it came to finding a job out of fellowship, I had strong support from faculty and colleagues. They advocated for me and connected me to program leaders in palliative care and supportive oncology around the country. I found the ideal position for me to continue my career at the intersection of medical oncology and palliative care, and felt wholly prepared for my professional and academic life post training. I still feel that I have a strong network of mentors and colleagues to call when I need them.”

Life outside of fellowship

Group shot of graduating fellows at Gas Works Park
2023 Graduating Palliative Medicine Fellows
Welcoming New Geriatric and Palliative Medicine Fellows
Welcoming new geriatric and palliative medicine fellows
2022 Graduating Fellows
2022 Graduating Fellows

Spring BrunchDonuts and didactics

Group of hospice and palliative medicine fellows with program directors
Celebrating our 2021 Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellows

 Group of fellows after brunchAssoc program director and program administrator

Fellow visiting the program administratorProgram administrator visiting fellows at the VA

Fellows 2019
Fellows 2019

WaterHappy Holidays

 

Thank a fellow day 2021

Painting
We can do art, too!