Visiting physician program
A Visiting Physician is a medical doctor with recent patient primary care experience who rotates through the clinical services of the Blood and Marrow Transplantation (BMT) units.
Training requirements
For US graduates applying for the Adult BMT program, there is a minimum education of two years of US residency in internal medicine (and hematology or oncology training is preferred). For foreign graduates applying for the Adult BMT program, a minimum of 2 years of documented training in internal medicine and hematology or oncology fellowship training is mandatory. For pediatrics, completion of a pediatric residency and at least one clinical year of training in an accredited pediatric hematology/oncology fellowship program are required.
All foreign applicants who wish to have a hands-on experience must also possess a visa type that allows patient care.
Proficiency in English language is required for acceptance into the program.
Minimum rotation length
The number of months is determined by the Medical Director and the Visiting Physician. For foreign physicians there is a six month minimum. For US Residents/Fellows there is a one month minimum.
Inpatient service
On the Inpatient Service, the Visiting Physician provides care under the direct supervision of the scheduled attending for five to six (5-6) patients on one of our two blood and bone marrow transplant wards, along with other visitors and our own Residents, Hematology and Oncology Fellows, Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants. Additional responsibilities include procedures such as lumbar punctures and bone marrow harvesting, critical care, daily rounds, and on-call duties. Visiting physicians should be prepared for an intensive inpatient experience. Weekday hours are 07:30 to approximately 17:30.
Outpatient service
Visiting Physicians may also rotate through the Outpatient Department (OPD). Responsibilities include evaluating patients and donors as they arrive in Seattle (pre-transplant) and caring for problems after discharge from the Inpatient Service (before the patient returns home). Visiting physicians provide care under the direct supervision of the scheduled attending and should be prepared for an intensive outpatient experience. In the OPD, the services are divided into adult autologous, adult allogeneic (including unrelated donor), and pediatric sections. Hours are weekdays 0800-1800 and may include a weekend. There is no overnight call. Visiting Physicians must spend at least one month on the Inpatient Service before they can rotate in the OPD.
Consultation services
In addition, the Visiting Physician may rotate through the consultation services of Gastroenterology, Infectious Disease, Pulmonary/Intensive Care, and Long Term Follow-Up. The Visiting Physician does not provide any patient care on the consultation services.
Observation
Visiting Physicians may also apply to have an observational visit to areas of interest including Inpatient, Allogeneic or Autologous Outpatient, Long Term Follow Up and other consultation services. Observation allows Visiting Physicians to shadow patient care with the attendings and team, but they cannot provide any patient care. There is no minimum time requirement to observe although there is a maximum length of observation depending on the service. This may be preferable for those physicians who are not able to come for the minimum rotation length.
Compensation
There is no compensation provided by Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. Medical insurance is not provided by the Center, but is highly recommended for all visiting physicians.
For more information
The selection process is competitive and only the most qualified candidates will be accepted as there are a limited number of spots available at any given time. Doctors interested in SCCA's Visiting Physician Program should contact visitingmd@seattlecca.org.
