Madigan Army Medical Center Program

Program Overview

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center, located in Tacoma, WA, is a military-accredited program designed for physicians who have completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency and are seeking further training in maternal-fetal medicine. This program, established in 1978, prides itself on a long history of producing high-quality specialists, evidenced by a 100% first-time pass rate on both the Written and Oral MFM Boards.

This 3-year fellowship program offers comprehensive training with a strong emphasis on ultrasound skills, research proficiency, and MFM procedures. Graduates emerge as experts capable of delivering world-class maternal care and contributing significantly to the military and civilian medical communities.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is designed to provide extensive clinical exposure, both inpatient and outpatient. Fellows engage in a diverse set of rotations:

• MFM Consult Rotation: Involves reading normal and abnormal obstetric ultrasounds, attending complex obstetric clinics, and consulting for hospitalized obstetric patients.
• Intensive Care Unit and Labor & Delivery: Fellows function as OB/GYN attendings.
• Research: A dedicated 12-month research component allows fellows to engage in basic and clinical research.
• Elective Rotations: Offer experiences at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma for chorionic villus sampling and other specialized procedures.
• Didactic Sessions: Weekly academic sessions every Thursday focus on journal clubs, morbidity and mortality conferences, and guest lectures on relevant topics.

Additionally, fellows are trained in high-risk obstetrics procedures, including amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling while gaining hands-on experience in ultrasound and fetal echocardiography.

Research Opportunities

The program emphasizes research as a crucial component of the training. Fellows participate in established research models, including murine models of preterm labor and placenta perfusion. They have access to a dedicated Basic Science laboratory and mentorship programs with Ph.D. researchers. The program has secured significant funding, with NIH grants totaling over 12 million dollars, facilitating advanced research endeavors.

Fellows are required to develop and complete a thesis that results in a publishable manuscript, presenting their findings at national conferences. Collaborative research opportunities enhance the fellowship experience, allowing fellows to engage with prestigious institutions like the University of Washington and University of Pittsburgh.

Competitiveness and Application Process

The Madigan fellowship program is highly competitive, emphasizing applicants' emotional intelligence and maturity during the interview process. Applicants must have completed their residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and may apply through military or civilian matches. The program does not offer rotations for OB/GYN residents or staff during their fellowship training.

To maintain integrity and competitiveness, the program evaluates applications holistically, considering academic achievements, research experience, and interpersonal skills.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The Madigan Army Medical Center Program offers visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Supported visa types typically include J-1 and H-1B visas. Specific requirements may apply, and potential applicants should ensure they meet the pre-requisite training of graduating from medical school and successfully completing an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency.

Teaching and Mentorship

Teaching opportunities are integral to the fellowship, with fellows responsible for instructing OB/GYN residents and medical students. This includes leading didactic sessions and participating in morbidity and mortality conferences. Each fellow is paired with mentors who are established MFM specialists, guiding them in clinical research and professional development.

Well-Being Initiatives

The fellowship supports the well-being of its fellows through various wellness initiatives organized at the departmental and institutional levels. Activities such as family outings and access to mental health resources enhance the fellowship experience. Moreover, the integration of a peer support program guarantees fellows access to needed support, ensuring a balanced and healthy work-life environment.

Participating Sites

The primary site for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship is Madigan Army Medical Center, with additional rotations at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma. Each site contributes unique clinical experiences that enrich fellows' training.