Resident Life/DC Area

Unique Resident Camaraderie

Our program has a long tradition of resident camaraderie both at and outside of work. Our residents have created long-lasting friendships that extend beyond the hospital, resulting in regular outings and social gatherings. There are also departmental social events throughout the year, including happy hours, a resident holiday party, resident retreats, and a graduation reception.

Group photo
Group photo

Washington, D.C. Area Attractions

Our hospital is situated in the heart of one of the most vibrant and culturally diverse cities in the country. Washington, D.C. is full of exciting events, historical sites, and local recreational activities. In addition, there are countless (often free) museums, world-renowned restaurants, and a variety of diverse nightlife options.

The Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts (0.4 mi), Georgetown Waterfront (0.7 mi), Lincoln Memorial (0.8 mi), White House (0.8 mi), Teddy Roosevelt Island (1.0 mi), Washington Monument (1.3 mi) and Tidal Basin (1.3 mi) are all within easy walking distance of the Hospital.

  • Museums: Smithsonian Museums (there are actually 19 of them, too many to list here!), Holocaust Memorial Museum, Renwick Gallery, International Spy Museum, The Phillips Collection, Hillwood Estate, Ford's Theatre, George Washington's Mount Vernon.
  • Food scene: bottomless brunches, international food (from literally anywhere, in particular DC is home to large Ethiopian and Salvadorian populations), biannual restaurant week, Eastern Market, Fish Market at the SW Wharf
  • Outdoors: Rock Creek Park, National Mall, C&O Canal, Potomac and Anacostia waterways (water sports, Potomac Heritage trail and Great Falls), National Arboretum.
  • Day Trips to Great Falls of the Potomac, Shenandoah National Park, Appalachian Trail, Harper's Ferry. Manassas, Antietam, and Gettysburg battlefields for Civil War buffs as well as a bunch of small forts/sites through the DMV.
  • Nightlife: Dupont Circle, U Street, Adams Morgan, H St NE, Chinatown, Georgetown, pop-up bars
  • Events/Festivals: Daily free concerts at the Kennedy Center Millennium Stage, Cherry Blossom Festival, Yearly H NE street festival, Jazz in the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden during the summer, Zoo Lights, Marine Corps and Rock 'n' Roll Marathons, Echostage, Capitol One Arena (formerly Verizon Center) Concerts, Jiffy Lube Live.
  • Sports: Commanders, Nationals, Capitals, Wizards, D.C. United, Mystic 

Housing

More than half of residents live in Washington DC, many in Foggy Bottom neighborhood due to its proximity to the hospital. Others live elsewhere in the NW quadrant such as Adams Morgan, Georgetown, Dupont circle or Logan Circle, all which are within 20-30 min walking distance of GWH. Residents in search of more space often pick the Northern Virginia (Arlington, Falls Church, Alexandria, Tysons) suburbs which are accessible via metro, or may choose to live in the Maryland suburbs (Montgomery or Prince George's Counties) if they have spouse or family ties to these areas or Baltimore. Residents are provided with complementary secure garage parking at GWH throughout the year as well as at Children's National during their rotations.

Further GW University off-campus housing information is available at: https://www.gwoffcampus.com/

Transit: DC metropolitan area is serviced by the Washington Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (WMATA) composed of both metro (6 lines) and metrobus system. GWH is situated with steps of the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metro stop on the Silver, Orange and Blue lines. The Circulator bus also provides several alternative routes through the city proper. With GW's SmartBenefits, these costs can be paid with pre-tax dollars. Capital Bikeshare has over 500 stations across the region and provides an affordable commuting option; GW offers $25 annual memberships allowing unlimited use.

Washington Union Station (WMATA Red line) provides Amtrak, regional commuter (MARC and VRE) and bus service throughout the mid-Atlantic and to the Northeast corridor.

Washington Monument (and Old Post Office building) seen over the Tidal Basin during Cherry Blossom season. (courtesy of Emil Barkovich MD)
Washington Monument (and Old Post Office building) seen over the Tidal Basin during Cherry Blossom season. (courtesy of Emil Barkovich MD)
Great Falls of the Potomac National Park (courtesy of Emil Barkovich MD)
Great Falls of the Potomac National Park (courtesy of Emil Barkovich MD)
Georgetown Waterfront and Kennedy Center for the performing arts, minutes walk from GW Hospital (courtesy of Emil Barkovich MD)
Georgetown Waterfront and Kennedy Center for the performing arts, minutes walk from GW Hospital (courtesy of Emil Barkovich MD)