McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) fellowship program at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine is accepted for three fellowship positions and offers a comprehensive opportunity for fellows to develop the clinical and research expertise necessary for a successful academic career in Maternal-Fetal Medicine. The program is set to accept applications for first-year positions scheduled for July 2026 starting in December 2024, with a priority application deadline on May 1, 2025 1.

Program Features

Education and Areas of Focus

The fellowship emphasizes an expansive educational experience that includes four unique Areas of Focus. These focus areas are designed to cater to the individual passions of fellows and include Global Health, Medical Education, Health Equity & Advocacy, and Bioethics. Many fellows opt to pursue certificate programs in these areas, and the fellowship can provide support for individual courses or full degrees, such as a Master of Public Health or Master of Science in Clinical Investigation 1.

Research Opportunities

At Northwestern, the MFM fellowship positions fellows to conduct significant research under the guidance of experienced mentors. The program enables fellows to engage in clinical research, perinatal epidemiology, health services research, and various other research areas based on personal interests. With 18 months of protected research time, fellows are expected to develop a diverse research portfolio throughout the program 1.

Northwestern is recognized nationally for its advances in maternal-fetal medicine research, enhanced by substantial resources available for grant writing, methods training, and opportunities for participating in research networks, such as the NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Network. The fellowship encourages collaboration with an extensive network of academic researchers and other departments 1.

Clinical Training

Fellows receive clinical training primarily at Northwestern Memorial Hospital/Prentice Women’s Hospital and Prentice Ambulatory Care Clinic, which together manage approximately 12,000 births annually. The clinical training includes inpatient, outpatient, and ultrasound components, with fellows leading their own continuity clinics as well as participating in a range of maternal-fetal procedures and consultations 1.

Training at the Chicago Institute for Fetal Health offers fellows additional exposure to advanced fetal imaging techniques, genetic counseling, and interventions concerning complex fetal anomalies. As active participants in the inpatient labor and delivery teams, fellows gain substantial hands-on training in maternal and fetal care 1.

Conference Participation and Didactics

Fellows benefit from a rich academic environment that includes numerous conferences and didactic sessions focused on advanced topics in maternal-fetal medicine. Preservation of time for participation in Grand Rounds and various national conferences is supported by the fellowship 1. This allows fellows to present their research and engage with the broader academic community.

Patient Care

The MFM fellowship operates within a large and diverse patient population that provides extensive opportunities for clinical care. Fellows are trained to handle complex medical and social conditions among patients, including those with HIV and other infectious diseases 1. The program is committed to reproductive justice and incorporates training in counseling for reproductive choices into their clinical practice.

Application Process

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must have completed a four-year ACGME-accredited OB/GYN residency program or a five-year residency accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Candidates are required to have passed USMLE steps 1, 2, and 3 on their first attempt, and they must possess a valid ECFMG certificate (if applicable). The application process includes submission of a personal statement, CV, medical school transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a completed ERAS application 1.

Visa Support

The program is committed to supporting international applicants who may require visa sponsorship. Visa types typically sponsored include J-1 and H-1B visas, depending on the applicant's circumstances 1.

Competitiveness

The MFM fellowship at Northwestern is highly competitive, aiming to attract the most qualified candidates. Applicants who have completed their training at international medical schools may also find the program to be friendly towards DOs and IMGs 1.