Indiana University School of Medicine Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at the Indiana University School of Medicine is a specialized program designed to address the regional shortage of perinatologists while preparing physicians to provide comprehensive care for pregnant women with various medical and obstetrical problems. This fellowship program, the only one of its kind in the state of Indiana, received its initial accreditation from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) in May 2012 and is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) as of 2017.

The goals of the fellowship focus on training OB-GYN physicians to act as health care advocates for pregnant individuals and to collaborate effectively with general OB-GYNs and other healthcare providers. Graduates are expected to show proficiency in performing advanced prenatal ultrasound, fetal diagnostic, and therapeutic procedures. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based medicine through a solid understanding of maternal physiology and pathophysiology, enhanced by reviews of contemporary medical literature.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum spans three years, fulfilling the degree requirements for a Masters in Clinical or Translational Research, effectively blending clinical training with research experience. The fellowship includes rotations through the inpatient labor and delivery wards, outpatient clinics, and two years dedicated to comprehensive clinical experiences in maternal, fetal, and perinatal care. Throughout their training, fellows will engage in protected research time designed to cultivate skills in research methodologies and clinical applications.

Clinical Rotations

First-year fellows will have a structured rotation schedule that includes extensive experiences at IU Health Methodist Hospital, where they will work in labor and delivery wards as well as at multiple outpatient clinics. The second year offers fellows twelve months of protected research opportunities, while senior fellows can choose elective rotations to tailor their training according to career aspirations. All fellows will participate in interdisciplinary conferences with specialists from other disciplines including pediatricians and surgeons to enrich clinical learning.

Didactics and Resident Education

Fellows engage in weekly didactics run by the maternal-fetal medicine faculty, covering key areas such as ultrasonography, genetic disorders, and maternal and fetal complications. An important aspect of the fellowship's educational commitment is the involvement of fellows in educating residents and producing evidence-based obstetrical protocols, reinforcing their teaching and mentorship skills while contributing to standardizing patient care.

Research Opportunities

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship has a strong commitment to research, providing ample opportunities for fellows to actively engage in clinical and laboratory studies. Mentorship is emphasized, with guidance provided by experienced faculty in research methodologies. The program has resources such as the Regenstrief database, which supports ongoing research efforts. Research initiatives include various trials and studies, with topics ranging from pharmacogenetics to outcomes related to gestational diabetes, with many research projects supported by grants from national institutions.

Unique Aspects and Elective Opportunities

The program offers unique elective opportunities, including a global health elective focusing on infectious diseases at a sister institution in Kenya. The inclusion of pediatric genetics rotations at Riley Hospital for Children provides a broad foundation for fellows in both maternal-fetal medicine and pediatrics. Additionally, fellows complete a fetal echocardiography rotation under the guidance of skilled pediatric cardiologists.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applications for the fellowship must be submitted by May 1 through the ERAS platform and should include a curriculum vitae, four letters of recommendation, a medical school transcript, a personal statement detailing the applicant's interest in maternal-fetal medicine, and USMLE or COMLEX transcripts. Special emphasis is placed on obtaining letters from the residency program director, chair of OB-GYN, and a mentor within the field. The program is highly competitive, accepting only select candidates who demonstrate exceptional dedication to maternal-fetal medicine.

The program is also accommodating of diverse applicants, including those from DO and international medical graduate backgrounds.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Indiana University School of Medicine offers visa sponsorship that includes support for H-1B visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from outside the United States have the opportunity to apply and be considered for this advanced fellowship training.