UW Medicine

The numbers from Match Day are in, and the 2025 match was the largest in the National Resident Matching Program? (NRMP?)’s 73-year history with more than 52,000 registered applicants competing for 43,237 residency positions! Close to 50 percent of the University of Washington - School of Medicine medical students matched into primary care residencies: family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics. All participating UW students from across the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana and Idaho) successfully matched into residencies in 26 medical specialties across 36 states. Congratulations, everyone!

Cancer is a scary diagnosis; a patient shouldn’t have to worry about what to do next. This is where the clinical partnership between UW Medicine and Fred Hutch makes a real difference, utilizing patient navigation for people facing a cancer diagnosis. Brad Simmons, president of UW Medicine Hospitals & Clinics and senior vice president for medical affairs at the University of Washington, says that the UW Medicine/Fred Hutch partnership is a “game-changer” for cancer care in the Pacific Northwest. “Ours is the only true integrated practice in the field, bringing two very recognizable brands together for the benefit of our patients.”

Rep. Frank Chopp, former speaker of the Washington House and a 1975 University of Washington graduate, died on March 22nd. "Rep. Chopp was dedicated to improving our state’s health care system, including mental health services. His advocacy for UW Medicine has enabled us to serve countless more patients, including through the Center for Behavioral Health and Learning. Rep. Chopp left our state a heathier, more prosperous place and that will stand as his enduring legacy. I was proud to work with him these past many years and our University is proud to count him among our accomplished alumni. The UW community joins his family and friends in mourning the loss of one of our state’s foremost public servants," says University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce.

Work and life can get really busy, really fast. However, it is still important for your health to take time to eat properly. Eating "on the go" can lead to bloat and sugar spikes due to your body’s inability to properly digest the sugars and proteins that rush further down your intestines. “There’s a huge difference in how your body interprets cramming down a protein bar on your way to work and sitting down and eating a meal slowly,” says gastroenterologist Dr. Jason Harper. Listen to your hunger cues and don't wait until you’re so hungry that you’re hangry before grabbing a bite to eat. Try carving out designated meal times throughout the day. Reframing the way you think about eating can also be helpful. Instead of thinking that you have to eat, think: I get to eat. https://bit.ly/4iOrfdi

Dr. Wolfgang Muhlhofer, a neurologist specializing in epilepsy and seizure disorders, sees patients with various types of epilepsy. As an expert trained at a level 4 epilepsy center, he knows that treatment is not one-size-fits-all. Every patient is unique and deserves an experienced specialist who will listen to their needs. #NationalEpilepsyAwarenessDay #PurpleDay2025

When Huntington's Disease families are given the opportunity to learn more about this family disease, they are better able to cope with the many challenges they will face along their journey. The Huntington's Disease Society of America (HDSA) believes knowledge is power. That's why the HDSA Centers of Excellence and HDSA Chapters partner to host Community Education Days with HDSA grant support. Please join us for our 2025 event featuring discussions on Huntington's Disease research, clinical trials, end-of-life care, advocacy, and a panel discussion. This year we are including a Huntington's Disease Youth & Young-Adult break-out session. Register here. https://bit.ly/3FHmyDl

This Women's History Month, UW Medicine women shared their journey into healthcare and about the mentors in their lives. Eileen Bulger, MD FACS - Professor and Chief of the Division of Trauma, Burns and Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Harborview Medical Center: "I started my career as a paramedic which was my first exposure to critically injured patients. In medical school, my experience on a busy trauma service put me on the path to be a trauma surgeon. I was blessed to train in surgery at UW Medicine with mentors who supported my career development." Pattie Malone, MD, MBA, MHA - Clinical Associate Physician, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine Primary Care & Urgent Care: "My interest in healthcare began as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Yemen where I taught English. Yemeni women would often come to me with questions about the health of their children and themselves. This experience lit my desire for a career in healthcare. My goal is to serve as a female physician mentor and to encourage, support and train the next set of healthcare professionals." Julie Anne Black - Health Services Manager, UW Medicine Primary Care at Northgate: "A chief nursing officer early in my management career took me under her wing and instilled in me many of the vital aspects of leadership. She modeled servant leadership, was passionate about mentoring and inspiring others, and she managed challenging situations with grace and dignity. I strive to emulate her daily." Patricia (Pat) Blissitt, PhD, ARNP-CNS - Neuroscience Clinical Nurse Specialist, Harborview Medical Center and Clinical Professor, University of Washington School of Nursing: "Pamela Mitchell, PhD, RN, professor emeritus at the UW School of Nursing, was extremely influential in my career. Through her research, scholarly presentations and publications, and eventually as my dissertation chair, Dr. Mitchell gave me a vision for all that nursing can be." (Responses were lightly edited for length, clarity and style. Any information or opinions shared in this article are personal views and do not represent those of the University of Washington or UW Medicine in any way, shape or form.)

Join us in congratulating Dr. Nora Disis, director of the UW Cancer Vaccine Institute, on being awarded a $300,000 grant from the Rivkin Center for Ovarian Cancer Research in partnership with Washington state’s Andy Hill Cancer Research Endowment (CARE) Fund to advance the development of a vaccine designed to prevent ovarian cancer’s metastatic spread. “Ovarian cancer research needs bold ideas, and Dr. Disis is a leader in the development of cancer vaccines,” said Molly O’Connor, CEO of the Rivkin Center. “Ovarian cancer patients who have received her vaccines are already living better, longer lives. This new research has the potential to bring hope for so many more.”

Dr. Anny Lin, Dr. Ben Grannan and Dr. Justin Miller, our movement disorders experts recently spoke at the North Olympic PD Education Day hosted by the American Parkinsons Disease Association (APDA). They discussed topics such as motor and non-motor symptoms, treatments, cognition, mood changes, and brain health to a room full of 85 people with movement disorder or a support person in collaboration with the APDA and Olympic Medical Center. Thank you for making this a successful patient education event!

The room was buzzing with excitement this morning as medical students across the United States all opened their envelopes at the same time to find out where they will be spending their residency. Inside were personalized letters from the National Resident Matching Program. The students learned the city and program where they'll spend the next three to seven years training in residency programs. Join us in congratulating these medical students on their dedicated hard work that has brought them to this pivotal moment in their journey. To see more photos of the University of Washington - School of Medicine students celebrating today, please visit their Facebook page. ?? Tara Brown Photography