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overview

Application and Interview Process

We are looking for applicants with the potential to excel and lead in rheumatology care, research, education, and advocacy. The University of Washington Rheumatology Fellowship Program is committed to a fair, equitable, and holistic review process. All eligible applications are carefully reviewed by our Selection Committee using the same rigorous process, which gives balanced consideration to each applicant’s experiences, attributes, competencies, and academic or scholarly metrics, how the applicant might contribute to our mission, and their likelihood of success in fellowship training and beyond.  

Applicants selected for an interview will receive an invitation through Thalamus to schedule a virtual interview day. During the interview process, candidates will have the opportunity to meet with faculty and current fellows, learn about our clinical, research, and educational programs, discuss their professional interests and career goals, observe a fellowship didactic conference, and explore the unique opportunities available at the University of Washington and throughout the Pacific Northwest.

We participate in the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applications are accepted only through the ERAS online application system.

interview dates

Academic Year 2027-2028 Appointments

Invitations to interview will be sent via Thalamus in early August 2026. Interviews will run from approximately 8:00am to 2:00pm Pacific Standard Time (PST) and will be held virtually. 

Interview Dates:

  • Tuesday, August 18, 2026
  • Tuesday, August 25, 2026
  • Tuesday, September 8, 2026
  • Tuesday, September 15, 2026
  • Tuesday, October 6, 2026
  • Tuesday, October 13, 2026

application requirements

Applicants must submit a complete application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). A complete application includes:

  • ERAS Application
    • The ERAS application serves as the applicant's curriculum vitae and should include educational history, training, scholarly activity, work and volunteer experiences, honors and awards, and other relevant professional experiences.
  • Personal Statement
    • Applicants are encouraged to address:
      • Clinical and/or research interests
      • Long-term career goals
      • Reasons for pursuing Rheumatology fellowship training
      • Reasons for interest in the University of Washington Rheumatology Fellowship Program
  • Letters of Recommendation
    • Three (3) letters of recommendation, including at least one from a faculty member who has directly supervised the applicant in clinical training. One (1) letter from the applicant's Program Director is strongly encouraged. 
  • Medical School Transcript
    • Official medical school transcript submitted through ERAS.
  • Photograph
    • Current photograph submitted through ERAS.
  • USMLE and/or COMLEX-USA Transcripts
    • Official examination transcripts submitted through ERAS, as applicable.
  • ECFMG Certification (International Medical Graduates Only)
    • ECFMG certification or evidence of certification eligibility, as applicable.
  • Visa Information (International Medical Graduates Only)
    • Applicants requiring visa sponsorship should indicate their current visa status and anticipated sponsorship needs within their ERAS application.

UW rheumatology fellowship eligibility and selection policy

AIM:

The University of Washington (UW) Rheumatology Fellowship Program aims to recruit fellows with the potential to excel and lead in rheumatology care, research, education, and advocacy.

POLICY:

The University of Washington Rheumatology Fellowship Program conducts recruitment and selection in accordance with the UW Graduate Medical Education Eligibility, Recruitment, and Selection Policy and applies specialty-specific and program-specific eligibility criteria during the application review process.

SPECIALTY AND PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Applicants must:

  • Have completed, or be on track to successfully complete, an ACGME-accredited Internal Medicine residency program prior to the start of fellowship training.
  • Be eligible for certification by the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).
  • Be eligible to obtain a Washington State medical license prior to the start of fellowship training.
  • Meet all University of Washington Graduate Medical Education appointment requirements.
  • International Medical Graduates must possess or be eligible for ECFMG certification and meet all applicable visa and institutional requirements prior to appointment.

INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES

The University of Washington Rheumatology Fellowship Program welcomes applications from international medical graduates who possess valid ECFMG certification and have participated in active clinical training within the United States. Applicants must provide documentation of their performance during their U.S. clinical training in their ERAS application. 

The University of Washington Rheumatology Fellowship Program sponsors J-1 visas for eligible trainees.

Due to institutional and program funding limitations, the program is generally unable to sponsor H-1B visas. Applicants currently holding or requiring H-1B visa sponsorship are welcome to apply; however, opportunities for H-1B sponsorship will be considered only in exceptional circumstances.

Non-US citizen applicants must have U.S. legal permanent residence or a valid Employment Authorization Document (EAD) that can be extended to cover the training period at the time of appointment, or be eligible to apply for appropriate visa sponsorship as outlined above.

UW RHEUMATOLOGY SELECTION COMMITTEE

The Selection Committee (SC), composed of more than ten faculty members representing diverse backgrounds, experiences, and roles within the Division, is responsible for selecting applicants for interview and creating the program’s rank list for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Match. The program receives approximately 200 applications annually and invites approximately 30 candidates to interview. All applications must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).

The SC conducts a holistic review of each application, consistent with guidance from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This process considers applicants’ experiences, attributes, competencies, and academic achievements in the context of the program’s mission and the qualities associated with success in our training environment. 

The SC uses Program signals as a meaningful indicator of applicant interest. For all eligible and qualified applicants, including internal applicants, a signal for our Program may increase the likelihood of an invitation to interview, but it will not guarantee an invitation. Absence of a signal will not automatically exclude an applicant from invitation to interview, but it may reduce the likelihood of an invitation.

The SC does not use artificial intelligence to evaluate applications or make selection decisions.

UW RHEUMATOLOGY INTERVIEW AND RANKING PROCESS

The interview day includes observance of a program didactic session (such as Morning Report), a program overview with the Program Director and/or Associate Program Director, four individual interviews with faculty members, and an opportunity to meet informally with current fellows.

To promote fairness and consistency, faculty interviewers evaluate applicants using standardized interview questions and scoring rubrics, and all candidates are provided the opportunity to respond to the same core questions. Interview assessments focus on competencies and attributes aligned with the program’s mission and training goals.

Final rank decisions are based on a weighted average of each candidate's application file review and interview performance.

University of washington Hiring Policies

The UW Rheumatology Fellowship Program, as part of the University of Washington, is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the job application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

additional resources and information

 

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