Program Overview

Dr. Judy Pauwels (L) and staff member at the UW Neighborhood Northgate Clinic.
Dr. Judy Pauwels (L) and staff member at the UW Neighborhood Northgate Clinic.

History and Structure

Members of the Residency Faculty are deeply involved in resident education, and nearly all physician faculty in the Department participate in resident education by precepting in one of the two Family Medical Centers (FMCs) and attending with the residents on the Family Medicine inpatient service at the University of Washington Medical Center. Pamela Pentin, JD, MD,  is the Chief of Family Medicine at the University of Washington Medical Center. Our larger clinic at the University of Washington Neighborhood Clinic – Northgate FMC is led by Nelson Chiu, MD. In 1997, the Residency added a Harborview Medical Center satellite. Frederick Chen, MD, MPH, is Chief of Family Medicine at Harborview and Ying Zhang, MD, serves in the role of HMC Family Medicine Clinic Medical Director.

University-Based

  • Diverse MD, MPH and PhD faculty expertise and experience
  • Linkages with medical school, research, other UW academic departments
  • Multiple opportunities
    • Public health/Health advocacy
    • Medical and patient care management
    • Medical Student education
    • Scholarly activity/Research
  • Collaborate clinically with Psychiatry for integrated patient care
  • Development of lasting professional relationships
  • Excellent academic teaching and educational opportunities

Serving Diverse Populations

  • Harborview FMC:
    • Urban underserved of south and central Seattle
    • Culturally and ethnically diverse
    • >50% interpreted visits
    • Wide spectrum of international, ethnic and cultural groups
    • Many social challenges of homelessness, substance use and abuse, and mental health disorders
    • Many refugee sub-populations
  • UW Neighborhood Clinic – Northgate FMC:
    • Northgate neighborhood in North Seattle
    • >15% interpreted visits
    • 32% of patients from other cultures
    • 27% of patients from underserved communities
    • Wide spectrum of ages and broad payer mix
    • Wide economic diversity from uninsured to well-insured

Sharing a Spirit of Inquiry and Collegiality

  • Mutual professional respect
  • Resident involvement and participation in residency program administration
  • Collaborative scholarly projects
  • Resident initiatives