McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University offers an extensive training program for fellows, encompassing both clinical and research experiences within the field of gynecologic oncology. This program is designed to prepare fellows for careers as leaders in the field through rigorous clinical training and diverse research opportunities.

Clinical Experience

Fellows in the program are integrally involved in all facets of patient care for individuals diagnosed with gynecologic malignancies. This includes responsibilities in outpatient evaluations, follow-up visits, surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and comprehensive postoperative care, which encompasses intensive care and palliative management. Clinical fellows take on a supervisory role for residents who rotate within the Gynecologic Oncology service.

Training primarily occurs at Northwestern Memorial/Prentice Women’s Hospital, where fellows gain hands-on experience performing various procedures, including laparoscopic and robotic surgeries. The structured clinical curriculum involves significant exposure: second-year fellows typically spend 11 months on the Gynecologic Oncology service, supplemented by rotations in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and Palliative Care. The third-year fellows also have a similar service commitment along with additional rotations in Radiation Oncology, Pathology, and Colorectal Surgery.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship emphasizes a strong research component, with fellows engaging in projects across diverse disciplines such as laboratory studies, health services research, and traditional clinical trials. They receive robust mentorship to guide them in designing, executing, and obtaining necessary funding for their studies. Collaborative opportunities exist through various research groups within the division and the Northwestern Ovarian Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program, which include accessing a tissue bank for research purposes.

Fellows may qualify for a fully funded Master of Science degree program in Health Services and Outcomes Research, enriching their academic credentials and research capabilities. This program also focuses on teaching qualitative and quantitative methods essential for clinical and biomedical informatics.

Educational Components

The fellowship integrates a comprehensive didactic curriculum that supplements clinical and research training. Fellows are responsible for organizing weekly Tumor Conferences and participating in monthly Journal Clubs. They also present monthly progress reports on research initiatives and are encouraged to present findings at major conferences such as the Society of Gynecologic Oncology (SGO), American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), and American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).

Application Process

Applications for the fellowship are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) for positions starting in 2025. Applicants must submit a personal statement, letters of recommendation, USMLE transcript, and a medical school transcript, among other documents. Specific emphasis is placed on candidates whose backgrounds and experiences align with the program's goals.

Visa Support

The program sponsors specific visa types for international medical graduates, facilitating their ability to train in the United States.

Competitiveness of the Program

This fellowship program is known for its competitiveness. The program is particularly friendly towards candidates from DO and IMG backgrounds, reflecting a commitment to diversity in its selection process.

Special Application Requirements

Applicants should take note of special application requirements, including maximum limits on failed Step examinations and other pertinent criteria that may influence eligibility.

Northwestern University and the McGaw Medical Center foster an environment ripe for both personal and professional development, capitalizing on its location in the vibrant city of Chicago, which adds to the training experience of the fellows.