Application

Each year, we offer eleven PGY-1 and three PGY-2 positions in the Seattle program, two PGY-1 and one PGY-2 positions in the Spokane program, and two PGY-1 and one PGY-2 positions in the Idaho program.  Applicants may apply to the Seattle program, the Spokane program, the Idaho program, or to any combination of these three programs.

All PGY-1 positions are filled through the National Resident Matching Program and applications are accepted only through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS).  Applications must be received by the Residency Training Office by November 1 of the year prior to the starting year.  Applications received after this date will be considered only on a very limited, case-by-case basis.  Applicants are strongly encouraged to ensure completion of their applications (including all letters of reference) by November 1. All applications are screened for completeness, qualifications for licensing, special experience, interests, and training (e.g. special clinical or research experience), strength of grades, and content of letters of reference/Dean’s Letter. Interviews are generally scheduled on Mondays and Tuesdays, from November through January.  Interviews last the entire day, in order to give candidates a chance to meet with a number of faculty and residents and to visit various clinical sites. Applicants to the Spokane and Idaho tracks interview in Spokane and/or Boise, as well as in Seattle. Final selection decisions are made by the Admissions Committee. We do not offer positions or make any binding commitments to candidates before the results of the Match are known.

PGY-2 positions are filled outside the Match throughout the year, without deadlines.  However, we tend to interview most PGY-2 applicants in fall and early winter (i.e. during the main recruitment period).  Thus, it is in the PGY-2 applicant’s best interest to submit his/her application as early as possible.  Most PGY-2 level residents start their training in July although occasionally, when the program has an unexpected opening, residents may start their training at other times.

Applicants for PGY-2 positions must have successfully completed a clinical year of accredited, broad-based training in internal medicine, family practice, or pediatrics in the United States; an ACGME accredited transitional year; or one year of an ACGME accredited residency in a clinical specialty requiring comprehensive and continuous patient care.  Candidates with a strong record of performance will be invited for interviews.  To be able to select the strongest candidates, usually we interview several candidates before offering a position.  Positions may be offered at any time and until all positions are filled.  Applicants will be notified when the Admissions Committee considers their application to be not competitive or when all available positions are filled.

We do accept applications from International Medical Graduates.  The medical demands of this residency program, however, are high.  IMG applicants with (a) eight-weeks of clinical experience comparable to a US or Canadian medical student rotation that is beyond a research or observer/volunteer level, and (b) letters from medical supervisors from the US, will be considered stronger candidates.

The following materials should be submitted by all applicants (for PGY-1 or PGY-2 positions):

• The ERAS Common Application Form for PGY-1 applicants or the University of Washington Psychiatry Residency Training Program Application Form for PGY-2 applicants
• A one- to two-page narrative statement, which should include your reasons for choosing psychiatry as a specialty.
• Your curriculum vitae
• A minimum of three letters of reference from faculty or professional staff at your medical school or at hospitals where you have worked
• Your official medical/osteopathic school transcript
• A Dean’s Letter
• USMLE or COMLEX Scores

PGY-2 applicants should also submit a statement from the training director(s) of each previous training program.  This statement must specify the clinical and didactic experiences for which you will be given credit and an evaluation of your performance and professional integrity.

For all applicants, please list any special areas of interest so that we can schedule your interview day to allow you to meet faculty and residents with similar interests.  Please also indicate which Tracks you are applying for (Seattle, Spokane, and/or Idaho).

For PGY-2 applicants, letters of recommendation should be addressed to Deborah Cowley, M.D., Director, Residency Training Program, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences.  Application materials should be mailed to:

Psychiatry Residency Training Program University of Washington Medical Center Box 356560 1959 N.E. Pacific Street Seattle,  WA  98195-6560

For additional information, please contact us by phone at (206) 543-6577 or by email at psychres@u.washington.edu

Resident Position Appointment The NRMP requires that residency programs provide applicants with the agreement that they would need to sign upon matching with the program. Please click here to view the University of Washington Resident Position Appointment.