Residency Program
Welcome from the Program Director
Welcome to the University of Washington Neurology Residency Program. In choosing Neurology you have made a great decision that I believe will be a source of joy and fulfillment for a lifetime. The challenges of mastering this field and the promise of ongoing new discoveries that will enhance patient care will provide sustained intellectual engagement and career satisfaction.
At the UW we share your keen interest in Neurology and are eager to guide you to develop into a well-rounded, inquisitive and caring neurologist. We are very fortunate to attract excellent residents. Our graduates end up in a wide variety of career paths: many assume leadership roles in academic neurology; others go into basic or clinical research; a number also go into community practice. Most complete a 1-2 year fellowship following residency.
While our residents end up in a variety of careers, the single most important goal of our Program is to develop outstanding clinical neurologists. This foundation will serve you well in whatever career path you choose. This is achieved first by exposure to an amazing breadth of patients. Our 4 very different hospitals serve a broad variety of patient populations with a staggering array of neurologic problems. We are the referral center for the 5 state “WWAMI” region. Second, we have a diverse and approachable faculty who are truly committed to teaching. There are faculty in every area of neurologic sub-specialty and there is a broad spectrum of research interests. Third, our Program has wonderful residents who will be your co-learners as well as your teachers. Residents are viewed as integral team members both for patient care and for teaching medical students and other team members.
Seattle is a great city and the Pacific Northwest a spectacular region to live in during your training. World-class outdoor opportunities are within 30 minutes from downtown. Cultural and sporting events abound. The laid-back, friendly attitudes that are common to the region are an added benefit.
Patricia Oakes, M.D.
Residency Program Director
Department of Neurology