Boston University Medical Center Program

The Complex Family Planning Fellowship at Boston University aims to cultivate leaders in obstetrics and gynecology, particularly focused on abortion and contraception through a multifaceted training approach. This fellowship not only emphasizes clinical care but also encompasses critical components of research, education, and advocacy, ensuring that fellows emerge as highly skilled practitioners and advocates in reproductive health.

Boston University and Boston Medical Center have a rich history of providing comprehensive family planning and reproductive health services, positively impacting the local community while contributing to the education of medical students and residents. The fellowship program was established in 2001 and has since developed a significant reputation, with graduates who are notable leaders in the field, actively engaging in research and educational efforts aimed at reducing health disparities among diverse patient populations seeking reproductive care, including access to contraception and abortion services 1.

Program Prerequisites

Applicants interested in the Complex Family Planning Fellowship must meet specific eligibility requirements. Candidates are required to be board eligible by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and must hold a Massachusetts state medical license. Additionally, all applicants must have completed a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology approved by relevant accrediting bodies. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) must possess a standard ECFMG certificate and have completed postgraduate training within the United States.

Clinical Training and Education

The fellowship provides extensive training opportunities across various areas of complex family planning. Boston Medical Center (BMC), the primary site for clinical training, is the largest safety net hospital in New England and offers a full spectrum of health care services, specializing in community-based care. Here, the fellows gain hands-on experience in both outpatient and inpatient settings, treating patients with a diverse array of medical co-morbidities.

Fellows engage in all aspects of first and second-trimester surgical and medical abortion training while also learning how to manage complex contraception cases independently. The program includes a structured educational curriculum that follows the ACGME milestones and incorporates both clinical and didactic learning, essential for developing expertise in complex family planning 6.

Research Opportunities

A crucial aspect of the fellowship is its commitment to research. Each fellow is expected to design and conduct a meaningful research project during their training, supported by mentorship from faculty and access to comprehensive resources. The fellows also participate in the NIH Introduction to the Principles and Practice of Clinical Research course, designed to equip them with the skills necessary to conduct clinical research effectively 7.

Advocacy and Collaboration

The program places strong emphasis on advocacy training, recognizing its critical role in family planning leadership. Fellows receive education in policy development, media engagement, and legislative processes affecting reproductive health, enabling them to become strong advocates for their patients at both local and national levels 2.

Research and Publications

Fellows are encouraged to contribute to ongoing research initiatives within the department, with previous fellows having published significant studies on various topics related to contraception and abortion practices. Collaborative research is a hallmark of the program, with the BEACON research team dedicated to improving reproductive health services through rigorous investigation and community engagement 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Participants of the fellowship are exposed to a unique clinical environment that includes caring for patients with a wide array of complex social situations and medical histories. The fellowship provides opportunities to manage cases involving transgender patients, those who are refugees, and patients experiencing trauma; this diversity in training enhances the fellows' capability to provide compassionate and tailored reproductive health care 4.

Visa Support and Opportunities for International Medical Graduates

The program provides support for international medical graduates requiring visa sponsorship, particularly J-1 and H-1B visas, enabling non-U.S. graduates to participate fully in the fellowship while also enriching the cultural and professional diversity of the program.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Complex Family Planning Fellowship is regarded as a highly competitive program. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant clinical experiences, and a commitment to advancing the fields of abortion and contraception. The fellowship accepts applications through the Fellowship in Family Planning, and specific application details can be found through associated platforms 3.

In summary, the Complex Family Planning Fellowship at Boston University offers a robust framework for developing leaders in reproductive health through comprehensive clinical training, advocacy engagement, and rigorous research opportunities.