Academic Track
The Academic Track is for fellows interested in pursuing careers in academic medicine. Fellows matching in the Academic Track may choose between two major pathways, Physician-Scientist or Clinician-Scholar.
Physician-Scientist Pathway
The Physician-Scientist Pathway within the UW Rheumatology fellowship training program is designed for graduates of Internal Medicine residency programs who desire a career in academic medicine with a focus on research. This three-year (36 month) program is designed to prepare fellows for productive careers as independent investigators in basic, translational, or clinical/epidemiology research. Prior experience in research is helpful but not required for this pathway. The first year is devoted to developing clinical skills, an independent research plan, and a mentorship structure. The second year is devoted largely to the fellow’s research project and publication of findings. The third year focuses on continued research activity and application for multi-year mentored training grants (e.g., Rheumatology Research Foundation career development awards).
Our NIH T32 training grant supports formal coursework in the second and third years of training, including Master of Science degrees in clinical research and epidemiology (through the UW School of Public Health). In addition to close guidance from primary mentors, fellows receive regular career guidance through their individualized Career Development Committee.
Clinician-Scholar Pathway
The Clinician-Scholar pathway within the UW Rheumatology fellowship training program is designed for graduates of Internal Medicine residency programs who desire a career in academic medicine with a focus on patient care and scholarship, medical education, or education administration. The first year is devoted to developing clinical skills, an independent scholarship plan, and a mentorship structure. The second year offers an array of opportunities for clinical specialization through multi-disciplinary clinics and MSK-ultrasound training. In addition to a scholarship project, Clinician-Scholar fellows often participate in curriculum design and focused training in medical education. The Clinician-Scholar pathway is 2 years (24 months).
Clinical Track
The Clinical Track, also known as the Community Practice Pathway, is a two year (24 month) training experience. The Community Practice Pathway of the UW Rheumatology Fellowship is designed for graduates of Internal Medicine residency programs who desire a career in community rheumatology practice. Priority is given to applicants committed to practice in an underserved community within Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho (WWAMI). The first year is identical to the Academic Track, focusing on development of comprehensive clinical skills and knowledge and development of a scholarship project. The second year is devoted to strengthening clinical skills, acquisition of specialized rheumatology skills and knowledge (e.g., MSK ultrasound), and a scholarship project. Unlike fellows on the Academic Track, Fellows on the Community Practice Pathway rotate at our community-based clinic at UWMC-Northwest and at the Tulalip Tribes Clinic north of Seattle.