Emory University School of Medicine Program

The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine offers a comprehensive training program designed to prepare fellows for excellence in the field of gynecologic oncology. The program provides a robust curriculum that encompasses clinical, research, and teaching experiences related to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of gynecologic cancers.

Fellows participate in a diverse array of clinical sites, most notably the newly constructed Winship Cancer Institute Emory Midtown, which opened in May 2023. This state-of-the-art facility is complemented by additional clinical settings within the Emory University system and Grady Memorial Hospital. Given the collaborative environment, fellows benefit from extensive research and clinical opportunities in a major university setting and can engage with ongoing collaborations with the Rollins School of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control 1.

Clinical Training

The fellowship emphasizes advanced surgical techniques, with training in minimally invasive and robotic surgeries as well as radical pelvic surgeries. The curriculum ensures that fellows become proficient in various chemotherapy regimens, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy, working alongside a multidisciplinary team that includes specialists from radiation oncology, gynecologic pathology, genetic counseling, and medical oncology. This diversity in training prepares fellows to handle complex patient cases that require an integrative approach 1.

Clinical Trials and Research

A significant aspect of the fellowship involves participation in the burgeoning clinical trials program within gynecologic oncology. Fellows are immersed in both the development and execution of clinical trials. Each fellow dedicates the first year exclusively to research, which is critical for fostering independent research acumen. Mentorship is provided by faculty members specializing in clinical, basic, and translational research 1.

Didactics and Conferences

Education is a cornerstone of the fellowship, with fellows engaging in weekly didactic sessions covering the full spectrum of gynecologic oncology topics. These sessions are held on Wednesday mornings and are facilitated by faculty from the division and other related specialties. This arrangement ensures a robust educational experience that also includes participation in Grand Rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, and multidisciplinary tumor board meetings 1.

Moreover, the program features a monthly gynecologic oncology journal club, fostering an environment for scholarly discussion and camaraderie among fellows and faculty 2.

Application Information

For candidates interested in applying for the Gynecologic Oncology fellowship beginning in 2025, all applications are required to be submitted via the ERAS system and will be processed through the Match (NRMP). The required application materials include a Curriculum Vitae, a personal statement, three letters of recommendation (with specific requisites for the authors), copies of transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores, and, for international graduates, an ECFMG certificate 1.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and supports the J-1 Visa sponsorship. This indicates an inclusive approach towards trainees from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a rich learning environment. However, applicants should keep in mind that the fellowship is highly competitive, necessitating strong academic and professional credentials to gain admission 1.

Unique Aspects

Emory's Division of Gynecologic Oncology, part of the Winship Cancer Institute — Georgia's sole National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center — enhances the fellowship's standing. Here, fellows are exposed to cutting-edge clinical practices and innovative treatment methodologies. Faculty members are not only fellowship-trained but also board-certified or eligible in gynecologic oncology, contributing to a high standard of training 2.