Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Program

The Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai is a well-structured program that focuses on training skilled surgeons and consultants specialized in the treatment of pelvic floor disorders. This comprehensive three-year fellowship is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and aims to produce leaders in the field who will contribute to advancements through research, education, advocacy, and innovative practices.

The fellowship emphasizes a well-rounded education, providing in-depth training in both non-surgical and surgical treatments. Fellows receive mentorship from a diverse team of urogynecologists, which includes four full-time faculty and three additional urogynecologists. By the end of their training, fellows are expected to be proficient in various surgical techniques, including vaginal, abdominal, laparoscopic, and robotic surgeries, fostering versatility in their surgical approaches and techniques 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is carefully designed, allotting a twelve-month period dedicated exclusively to research while the remaining two years focus on clinical care. Clinical rotations occur at The Mount Sinai Hospital and Mount Sinai West/Mount Sinai Morningside, ensuring that fellows gain experience in both operative and office-based urogynecology settings. Additionally, rotations in Urology and Colorectal Surgery further enhance the clinical training, broadening the fellows' skill sets.

Regular faculty-led lectures are conducted throughout the training, utilizing the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology’s Guide to Learning. Important elements such as journal club meetings, board reviews, and case presentations are integrated into the weekly schedule. This structure encourages fellows to thoroughly evaluate various clinical issues and develop effective management plans 1.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a critical role in the fellowship, with a dedicated year set aside for clinical and/or basic science research. Fellows have access to a wide array of research opportunities across clinical and basic science disciplines within the institution. Each fellow is paired with a mentor who specializes in their area of interest, facilitating guided research efforts. The program offers financial resources and statistical support to assist fellows in realizing their research ambitions.

Monthly research meetings include key faculty, the Vice Chair for research, the Vice Chair for education, and other essential personnel like statisticians and epidemiologists, fostering a collaborative environment. Additionally, fellows are encouraged to support residents in their research endeavors, promoting a sense of community and teamwork 1.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the Urogynecology fellowship must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The application requirements to be considered include:

• A completed ERAS application form
• An official medical school transcript
• A letter of recommendation from the Program Director
• Two letters of recommendation from faculty members highlighting the candidate’s performance during clinical clerkships
• A personal statement delineating their interest and qualifications for the fellowship
• Results from the USMLE or equivalent licensing examinations

Candidates who are invited for an interview will tour the hospital and engage in a detailed meeting with faculty and fellows, which provides an excellent opportunity to gain deeper insights into the program 2.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and extends visa support including sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visas. This demonstrates the program's commitment to diversity and inclusion in its training cohort.

The competitive nature of this fellowship signifies that it attracts a diverse applicant pool, inclusive of both US medical graduates and international candidates, which adds a rich tapestry of experience and perspectives within the fellowship.