Mass General Brigham/Brigham and Women’s Hospital Program

Program Information

The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship Training Program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) is a prestigious three-year program designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals in the field of women's health, specifically focusing on gynecologic malignancies. Established in 1978, the program has successfully trained over forty individuals who have gone on to become leaders in gynecologic oncology.

The program is certified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), ensuring that it meets rigorous educational standards and provides fellows with robust training experiences that cover both clinical and research components.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship curriculum is structured across three years. The first year primarily focuses on research and investigation in the Gynecologic Oncology Laboratory under expert supervision. Fellows engage in substantive research endeavors, particularly in the molecular biology of ovarian cancer. During this initial year, clinical responsibilities are limited, with fellows providing coverage during weekends and attending colposcopy clinics weekly.

The second and third years shift toward a clinical focus. In year two, fellows spend eight months on the Gynecologic Oncology service and one month on Pain and Palliative Care. The third year allows them to take primary inpatient responsibilities for four months, alongside rotations in Medical Oncology and Radiation Oncology. This progressive structure enables fellows to transition from predominantly research-oriented roles to comprehensive clinical care positions.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the training program. Fellows engage in significant investigative work that contributes to the broader understanding of gynecologic cancers. The first-year research experience is complemented by training in Pathology, Oncology, and Genetics, paving the way for fellows to lead independent research initiatives and collaborate on novel projects aligned with current clinical questions and treatment paradigms.

Clinical Responsibilities

Fellows in this program are entrusted with increasing levels of responsibility throughout their training. In the clinical arena, they provide pre- and post-operative care for patients diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies. Third-year fellows typically take on more complex surgical procedures and are expected to function with greater independence while still being supervised by faculty members. This hands-on approach is crucial for developing procedural competence in essential surgical techniques, such as radical hysterectomy and cytoreductive surgery.

Didactic Education

The educational framework includes structured didactic components, with fellows required to complete two post-graduate level courses in Introduction to Biostatistics and The Molecular Epidemiology of Cancer during their first year. Weekly lectures and journal clubs facilitate a collaborative environment where fellows retain a comprehensive grasp of gynecologic oncology advancements.

Supervision and Evaluation

Throughout training, fellows receive continuous oversight from experienced faculty members who offer direct mentorship and constructive feedback. Evaluations occur regularly, focusing on clinical skills, knowledge, and professionalism. Each fellow also participates in evaluating faculty performance, promoting a culture of accountability and excellence.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to international medical graduates (IMGs) and offers visa sponsorship options, including J-1 and H-1B visas. The fellowship is competitive, reviewing over 100 applications annually. Applicants must be board eligible in Obstetrics and Gynecology and have a strong emphasis on clinical care, teaching, and research.

Application Requirements

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the ERAS system, submitting a comprehensive application package that includes their curriculum vitae, personal statement, official medical school transcript, USMLE scores (or CREOG scores), and three letters of recommendation. Notably, the program does not place restrictions on the maximum number of failed USMLE Step exams; however, it seeks candidates with exemplary records in clinical care and research.