What is your call schedule like?
To be honest, our call schedule is hard to explain but we will do our best to explain it here! Because we rotate at different sites, your call depends on which rotation you are on. There are certain rotations where you are in the call pool for UW L&D, and other rotations where you only take call at the hospital that you are at. For example, on UW Gyn Onc and Harborview Gyn, you work alternating weekends so have every other weekend off. On rotations where you cover the L&D call pool, you alternate between Saturday 24-hour shifts, Sunday 12-hour shifts, and a weekend off. There are definitely more ins and outs to our schedule, but on average you can expect about 2 full weekends off each month.
Do you have any wellness days?
Yes, we typically have didactics on Wednesdays, however every 5th Wednesday we have a wellness morning where no didactics are scheduled. This time is yours! Possibilities are brunching with co-residents, appointments, or just using the time to get your life in order.
Where do residents live?
All over Seattle--most popular neighborhoods include University District, Ravenna, Fremont, Green Lake, Capitol Hill and Central District. All these neighborhoods are easy commutes to our work sites by either public transportation or biking.
What does it mean to have a Union?
All residents have the option to join the union when they start their residency with us. The Union is a great advocate for us residents, especially when it comes to equitable salaries, benefits, and workplace environments. Check out the RPFU website for more details if interested.
How much vacation time do you get?
We get 4 weeks each year. We also get one personal day each calendar year, which is typically scheduled in advance for major life events.
Do you get money for meals?
Yes, currently $12 per 12-hour shift worked. This will increase to $13 per shift starting fall of 2024.
Do you have structured mentor relationships?
Residents are divided into families with 1-2 faculty members and 1-2 residents per class. Each class also picks a faculty mentor who mentors their class. We love hanging out with our class and family mentors, and it’s nice to have faculty you can vent to or go to for advice.
Do you get resident retreats?
Every class gets a full weekend off together each year for a resident retreat. We typically rent a house in the mountains or local islands, and occasionally we invite our partners. We also have 2 residency wide retreats: one in the summer and one in the winter with fun seasonal activities! Our faculty cover the services so residents can have the time off to spend with each other.
Do residents have elective time?
Yes, we have one dedicated elective block in 3rd year. Residents can choose how to spend this time, whether it be going to Kenya, staying in Seattle to work on research, gaining more experience with ultrasound, or in the OR.
Are there global health opportunities?
We have a global health pathway that is open to all residents. And regardless of if you participate in the global health pathway, one option for 3rd year elective is a rotation in Naivasha, Kenya. Most residents in recent years have chosen to go to Kenya and have really enjoyed the experience.
How many hospitals do you rotate through?
Currently we go to 8 hospitals, but our home base is UW-Montlake. This is where we have our main labor and delivery, gynecology, and gynecologic oncology services. We have additional gynecology rotations at Harborview Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, UW- Northwest, Puget Sound VA and Virginia Mason. We go to Seattle Children’s for pediatric/adolescent gynecology. Finally, our rural site in Yakima gives great exposure to practicing full spectrum OB/GYN. We get amazing training at all our sites, and it is a great opportunity for networking with the community.
Is it hard rotating at all those sites? How do you keep your days straight?
Typically when you are at one of the outside hospitals, that is your primary site. One day a week is then spent at continuity clinic, either UW or HMC.
Do you actually hang out with each other outside the hospital?
All the time! Post nights brunch, happy hours after clinic, BBQs, concerts, hikes, workout classes, and more. We love each other!
Do residents get family planning training?
Absolutely. This is very important to our Ryan training program. We are fortunate to live in a state that does not restrict access to abortion care. Because of the state of the country, our program emphasizes family planning training in order to make us well rounded, competent physicians that can provide abortion care and manage abortion complications. Our strong Complex Family Planning Division supports the residents and provides care not just at UW, but also at other community sites that our residents also rotate at.