Policies / Eligibility, Recruitment and Selection Policy for Non-ACGME Programs

Date Established: 07/14/2022

Revision History: 8/14/25, 9/11/25, 12/11/25

Policy Reviewers: Non-ACGME Program Oversight Subcommittee, GMEC Policy Subcommittee, UW Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC)

University of Washington (UW) graduate medical education (GME) non-ACGME clinical fellowship programs.

This policy is designed to ensure fair and consistent consideration and decision-making for all applicants to non-ACGME clinical fellowship programs in the UW School of Medicine. Recruitment and selection of program applicants is performed by the respective program director, responsible faculty, and department leadership under the oversight of the Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC).

3. Policy

1. Each non-ACGME fellowship program must develop a program-specific eligibility, recruitment, and selection policy that is available to all program applicants.
2. Program policies must comply with applicable specialty-specific eligibility requirements as specified by the relevant ABMS specialty board, specialty society, or other accrediting body, where applicable. In addition, program policies must address any specific eligibility requirements.
3. Programs must ensure that fellows appointed to the program meet all prerequisites for entry into the program.
4. Each ACGME Non-Standard Training (NST) program must define the prerequisite education and/or training for entry into the NST program. (NST Requirements II.A.1.). Each NST program must ensure that NST trainees appointed to the NST program meet prerequisites for entry into the NST program. (NST Requirements II.A.2.). This requirement applies to all UW non-ACGME programs.
5. 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.
6. Programs must recruit and select residents and fellows among eligible applicants based on training program-related criteria such as their preparedness, ability, aptitude, academic credentials, communication skills, and personal qualities such as motivation and integrity, as well as professionalism.
7. Appointment Details: Applicants invited to interview for a fellowship position must be informed in writing or by electronic means, of the terms, conditions, and benefits of their appointment to the fellowship program, either in effect at the time of the interview or that will be in effect at the time of the applicant’s eventual appointment. This includes compensation, benefits, vacation, leaves of absence, professional liability coverage, disability insurance, and health insurance accessible to their eligible dependents.

4. Program Eligibility

Eligibility requirements must include:

• All prerequisite residency and/or fellowship training, and whether completion of prior training in an ACGME-accredited or AOA-recognized program is required
• Eligibility requirements defined by the applicable specialty society (if applicable)
• Required board certification/eligibility
• ECFMG Certification (for foreign medical graduates)
• Completion of USMLE Step 3 (or equivalent)
• License Requirements (Limited, Physician and Surgeon, or Full Osteopathic License)
• Required work authorization including whether the program accepts applicants requiring visa sponsorship, and the type of visa required for the appointment.

5. Recruitment and Selection

The recruitment and selection process must be available to all program applicants on the program’s website.

A. Application Process

Application timeline (indicate if match related or rolling deadline)

1. Application process and requirements if using an organized application service (ERAS, SF Match, specialty society, other)
2. Application process and requirements if not using an organized application service. At a minimum, application requirements should include: Program application, Personal letter/statement, Current CV, Letters of Reference (e.g., from current Program Director, Department Chair, medical director), Certification of training, ECFMG Certification (for foreign medical graduates), Medical School Diploma, and current or required work authorization.

B. Match Process

All UW GME residency and fellowship programs are required to participate in the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) Match, San Francisco Match (SF Match), or other organized matching program where available in their specialty.

1. NRMP Match: Program directors and administrators are required to review the terms and conditions of the NRMP Match Participation Agreements each year, share with program faculty participating in the interview process, and comply with applicable Match policies, including:
   • Fellowship Match All In Policy
   • Waiver and Violations policies
2. Match Participation Waiver: In the event that a program participating in the NRMP Specialties Matching Service, SF Match, or other organized matching program wishes to accept a candidate outside of the Match, the program must request a waiver from full participation in the Match to the GMEC. Refer to the Eligibility, Selection and Recruitment Policy for ACGME programs for details.

6. Accommodations

Applicants who require a disability accommodation for the interview may request an accommodation from the UW Disability Services Office. In the event that such an accommodation is requested, the UW Disability Services Office will inform the GME Office and the Program of the request in order to facilitate an appropriate accommodation, if indicated.