Mass General Brigham/Massachusetts General Hospital Program

Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Fellowship Overview

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is designed to provide comprehensive training to OB/GYN subspecialists in managing complex clinical problems related to infertility and reproductive endocrinology. This three-year program emphasizes the integration of clinical practice with significant research opportunities, thereby ensuring that fellows are well-prepared for future challenges in the field.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship accepts one fellow annually and comprises a robust blend of clinical responsibilities and research training. The academic year is structured into three distinct years, each with a specific focus:

Year 1: Research Focus

This initial year is primarily dedicated to research, where fellows collaborate with faculty from the Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology (VCRB) or the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The curriculum includes training in basic research techniques, investigating topics in reproductive biology and epidemiology, and designing critical research projects that may translate into clinical applications.

Year 2: Clinical Practice and Continued Research

In the second year, fellows balance ongoing research with clinical duties that include evaluating and treating various reproductive health issues such as infertility, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and endometriosis. Practical skills are developed in the Fertility Center, with hands-on experiences in assisted reproductive techniques, including oocyte retrieval and embryo transfer.

Year 3: Advanced Clinical Skills and Surgical Training

The final year focuses heavily on surgical training and advanced clinical practices. Fellows participate in a continuity clinic and take part in significant inpatient consults. A key aspect of this year is acquiring endoscopic surgical skills, including robotic surgery. Fellows will also engage in rotations through various related specialties and assume administrative responsibilities to foster their development into junior faculty members.

Clinical Environment and Research Opportunities

The Massachusetts General Fertility Center is a state-of-the-art facility equipped with advanced technologies aimed at providing optimal fertility services. The center not only supports clinical excellence but also fosters a collaborative research environment within the VCRB, where groundbreaking studies focus on issues like ovarian and uterine cancers, infertility, and menopause.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

To be eligible for the fellowship, candidates must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency in obstetrics and gynecology. The program is competitive; applicants are advised to present strong credentials, including CREOG scores. This fellowship is not limited to MD graduates, as it is friendly to DO and IMG candidates. There are no specific restrictions regarding the year of graduation, and fellows with up to one failed STEP exam are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Visa Support

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital provides visa sponsorship for international applicants. Eligible visa types include J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing qualified fellows to train in the United States.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Fellows in this program are integrated into MGH's extensive network of resources and expertise, benefiting from an exceptional faculty committed to both educational and clinical excellence. The program offers a multidisciplinary approach within the comprehensive healthcare framework at MGH and Harvard Medical School, thereby preparing fellows for diverse career pathways in academic, clinical, or research settings.