Cleveland Clinic Foundation Program

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at Cleveland Clinic is an advanced training program designed to equip fellows with comprehensive expertise in treating female pelvic floor disorders. The program's mission aligns with its commitment to fostering academic leadership in urogynecology through extensive clinical and research exposure.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship spans three years and offers a structured rotation system that includes:

• 18 months focused on Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.
• 3 months of Female Urology.
• 2 months of Colorectal Surgery.
• 1 month of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery.
• 1 month of Physical Therapy experience.
• 12 months of protected research time.

This extensive rotation schedule allows fellows to progressively assume increased responsibility within both outpatient and inpatient settings, cultivating clinical independence.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

Clinical experiences are conducted at several distinguished campuses within the Cleveland Clinic system, notably:

• Main Campus: Offers a 4-week block for both inpatient and outpatient urogynecology services, where fellows can spend 20% of their time on scholarly activities.
• Hillcrest Hospital: Part of the East URPS rotation, combining inpatient and outpatient care with focused scholarly time.
• Fairview Hospital: Forms part of the West URPS rotation, emphasizing interdisciplinary collaboration in urogynecology.

The fellowship also incorporates integrated experiences with obstetric and gynecological surgery, ensuring comprehensive training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery.

Research Opportunities

Cleveland Clinic emphasizes the importance of research within the fellowship. The curriculum includes a dedicated research block where fellows develop, implement, and analyze research projects relevant to urogynecology. Fellows benefit from a rich environment that supports interdisciplinary research collaboration, positioning them effectively for academic careers.

Educational Conferences and Didactics

Fellows actively participate in educational activities that include:

• Weekly Ob/Gyn Grand Rounds: Engage in comprehensive discussions on advanced clinical cases and research findings.
• Pelvic Floor Conference: A monthly meeting involving faculty and interdisciplinary collaboration that fosters case discussions and knowledge sharing.
• Fellow Seminar: A dedicated weekly seminar allowing fellows to review important topics in urogynecology.
• Research Meetings: Monthly sessions focusing on ongoing projects, research design, and statistics.

These conferences provide essential skills and knowledge critical for fellows to excel in their field.

Diversity and Inclusion

Cleveland Clinic promotes an inclusive environment that values diversity among fellows, supporting various initiatives aimed at enhancing interpersonal care and teamwork among healthcare professionals.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for the Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship requires candidates to submit:

• Complete application via ERAS.
• Current CV and personal statement.
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE) and medical school transcript.
• USMLE Step I and Step II exam scores.
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from the residency program director.

International medical graduates are encouraged to apply, and U.S. clinical experience is preferred but not mandatory. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic sponsors several types of visas, accommodating international fellows as part of its commitment to welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Unique Aspects

The fellowship is recognized as highly competitive, attracting numerous applicants from U.S. and international medical schools. The program is designed to be DO/IMG friendly, providing a comprehensive learning environment for all fellows. Unique aspects of the fellowship include its extensive interdisciplinary collaboration, exposure to high clinical volumes, commitment to research, and strong mentorship from experienced urogynecology specialists.

Outcomes and Career Opportunities

Graduates of the fellowship have successfully transitioned into academic positions and advanced clinical roles worldwide, supported by the robust training and mentorship received throughout their fellowship. The program's rigorous curriculum, combined with practical experiences, equips fellows to become leaders in the field of urogynecology.