Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Program

The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Program in Maternal-Fetal Medicine provides a comprehensive training experience focusing on the health of both mothers and their infants. The program is designed to equip fellows with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage complex pregnancies effectively while emphasizing both clinical excellence and scholarly activities.

Program Overview

This fellowship is a two-year program that prepares physicians for a career in maternal-fetal medicine, focusing on high-risk obstetrics and advanced diagnostic technologies. Trainees benefit from the program's affiliation with Corewell Health, which includes a large hospital system and specialized maternal-fetal medicine services.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is structured to provide hands-on clinical training supplemented by formal educational sessions. Fellows will engage in a variety of rotations including:

• Outpatient Clinical Care: Involves working with pregnant women who have both routine and high-risk conditions, providing fellows with exposure to a range of obstetrical complications.
• Inpatient Services: Fellows manage cases in a hospital setting, including deliveries, consultations, and optimization of maternal health.
• Ultrasound and Diagnostic Procedures: Significant time is dedicated to mastering advanced imaging techniques and procedures, such as amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling.
• Research Elective: Opportunities for fellows to engage in research projects in maternal-fetal medicine, contributing to advancements in care.

Didactic Sessions

Formal lectures and case-based discussions are held regularly to enhance the fellows' knowledge in maternal-fetal medicine. These sessions focus on pathophysiology, diagnostics, and management of high-risk pregnancies, ensuring fellows remain current with the latest clinical practices.

Research Opportunities

The program is committed to fostering a robust research environment. Fellows are encouraged to participate in meaningful projects that can lead to publications, presentations, and contributions to peer-reviewed forums. Support for research initiatives is provided through faculty mentorship and access to resources, including statistical consultations and research methodology training.1

Training Sites

Training occurs primarily at Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, a regional leader in advanced maternal care and fetal diagnostics. The facility offers state-of-the-art technology and includes a dedicated maternal-fetal medicine unit, enhancing the learning experience for all fellows. Corewell Health provides a multidisciplinary approach to care, involving collaboration with neonatologists, geneticists, and other specialists.2

Visa Support

The program offers support for applicants requiring visas. It generally sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates. This ensures that qualified candidates from abroad have the opportunity to train within the United States.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship at Corewell Health is considered competitive, and applicants are assessed on various criteria, including clinical experience, board scores, and letters of recommendation. Candidates who have demonstrated a strong foundation in obstetrics and gynecology or have completed a residency in related fields may find the program to be a suitable match for their career aspirations.3

Application Requirements

Applicants must fulfill specific requirements to be considered for the fellowship:

• Completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
• A minimum of three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a maternal-fetal medicine physician.
• A strong record of academic performance and clinical competence.
• International medical graduates must be ECFMG certified and eligible for J-1 visa sponsorship.

Notably, there are no restrictions on the year of graduation or maximum failed STEP exams; however, candidates who have recently passed these examinations on the first attempt are preferred.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program is distinguished by its commitment to a supportive learning environment. Faculty members prioritize mentoring fellows and promoting wellness throughout the rigorous training process. Residents enjoy a culture of collegiality and support, fostering both personal and professional development.4

In addition to clinical and educational advancements, the program encourages participation in community outreach initiatives aimed at improving maternal and fetal health outcomes in the surrounding areas.