Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic Foundation is structured to provide fellows with exceptional medical and surgical training in the management of patients with reproductive endocrine conditions and infertility. The program aims to develop experts who excel in academic, clinical, and research settings while focusing on a multidisciplinary approach to care.

Program Overview

The fellowship is uniquely designed with an array of experienced faculty members, including highly published reproductive endocrinologists, medical endocrinologists, pediatric endocrinologists, medical geneticists, and specialists in menopause and male infertility. This collaborative atmosphere enhances both the educational experience and the clinical outcomes for the fellows’ patients 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship program comprises a comprehensive curriculum over three years: PGY-5, PGY-6, and PGY-7. The initial six months serve as an orientation period, allowing fellows to acclimatize to various aspects of reproductive endocrinology, infertility, and reproductive surgery. Throughout this time, fellows engage in clinical rotations that include medical endocrinology, pediatric endocrinology, medical genetics, menopausal medicine, adolescent gynecology, and male infertility 1.

During the second year (PGY-6), the focus shifts primarily to dedicated research time, allowing fellows to explore their interests deeply while also participating in supervised clinical experiences whenever they choose. The third year (PGY-7) is entirely dedicated to clinical practice, where fellows operate as the primary physicians under faculty supervision, ensuring comprehensive readiness for independent practice.

Surgical Training

The program features an extensive surgical component. Fellows gain proficiency in a range of reproductive surgeries including myomectomy, laparoscopic approaches, operative hysteroscopy, and innovative techniques like robotic surgery. The Cleveland Clinic conducts approximately 1,000 fresh IVF cycles annually, providing fellows with ample opportunities to engage in all areas of IVF— from egg retrievals to embryo transfers. They will also learn various IVF-related technologies such as ICSI, assisted hatching, and cryopreservation techniques 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with 18 months of protected time allocated for fellows to pursue their interests across various dimensions of reproductive health. Fellows have access to advanced facilities at the Cleveland Clinic, including the IVF research lab and the Lerner Research Institute. This allows them to engage in both clinical and basic science research, cultivating a solid foundation for future contributions to reproductive medicine 1.

Teaching and Educational Environment

Fellows participate actively in the teaching of residents and medical students. This includes formal didactic lectures, departmental grand rounds, and participation in journal clubs. The fellowship also features various conferences emphasizing research, teaching skills, and quality improvement 1.

Scientific Meetings

Fellows are equally involved in presenting their findings at major conferences, including the Annual Cleveland Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Research Day and American Society of Reproductive Medicine annual meetings. These engagements enhance their exposure and recognition in the field 1.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Cleveland Clinic emphasizes diversity and inclusion within its fellowship programs. Commitments are made to recruit and retain individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, enhancing the cultural competence and responsiveness of healthcare delivered to diverse populations 1.

Application Requirements

To apply for the REI Fellowship, candidates must have completed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology from an ABOG-approved program. Among other qualifications, applicants are encouraged to have U.S. clinical experience, although it is not compulsory. Important test scores such as USMLE Step I and Step II are required 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, sponsoring H-1B and J-1 visa types as per current regulations 1.

Competitiveness

This fellowship program is considered highly competitive. It values candidates who demonstrate excellence in their educational background, clinical experience, and research pursuits. While the program is open to international medical graduates, previous clinical experience in the U.S. is favored 1.