McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Obstetric Anesthesiology Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University is an ACGME-accredited program designed for a duration of 12 months, commencing on July 1. This program aims to provide its fellows with advanced clinical care experience specifically tailored for both healthy and high-risk parturients, along with pregnant women undergoing non-obstetric surgeries. The fellowship encompasses a comprehensive clinical rotation lasting seven months and includes mandatory involvement in the management of patients slated for fetal surgery procedures.

The fellowship is facilitated by a distinguished faculty comprising fourteen dedicated obstetric anesthesiologists, ensuring an extensively curated educational environment. Additional input from faculty members in the departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Neonatology, and Critical Care Medicine further enriches the fellows' learning experience, fostering a collaborative multidisciplinary culture essential for anesthesiologists pursuing a career in obstetric anesthesiology 1.

The Training Environment

The primary clinical responsibilities of fellows will be undertaken at the Prentice Women’s Hospital of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a Level 4, high-risk obstetrical unit, strategically located in downtown Chicago. This facility performs over 12,000 deliveries annually—making it the site with the largest delivery volume in Illinois. The clinical experiences offered cater to both private and service patients, providing a mix between routine and complex, high-risk cases. Specifically, the program records a cesarean delivery rate of 27 percent along with a labor neuraxial analgesia rate of 90 percent, reflecting a comprehensive exposure to a variety of obstetric scenarios 1.

Educational Objectives

The fellowship is tailored to ensure the participating fellows acquire advanced knowledge and habilitation in the management of parturients, particularly focusing on high-risk populations. Key educational objectives include:

• Understanding the obstetric management of high-risk parturients.
• Familiarity with fetal heart rate interpretation.
• Mastering anesthetic management and interdisciplinary collaborative approaches.
• Neonatal resuscitation competence, adhering to American Academy of Pediatrics certifications.
• Appreciation of ethical considerations in maternal and fetal care.
• An overview of economic aspects unique to obstetric anesthesiology.
• Self-management of an obstetric anesthesiology service within a clinical setting.
• Critical evaluation of contemporary clinical literature.
• Engaging in teaching roles to disseminate knowledge in obstetric anesthesiology.
• Execution of a scholarly project culminating in design, recruitment, analysis, and publication 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The fellowship incorporates a structured curriculum where fellows partake in various rotations including:

Labor & Delivery Rotation

This includes a comprehensive seven-month clinical experience, supervising residents, conducting antepartum consultations, and managing high-risk patients, thereby fostering robust leadership skills within the realm of obstetric care.

Research Rotation

Fellows engage in a three-month research initiative with a focus on achieving at least one abstract and publication. Guidance is provided by a faculty mentor throughout the project lifecycle 1.

Neonatology & Maternal-Fetal Medicine Rotations

Two-week rotations in Neonatology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine respectively bolster the fellows' experiences by integrating clinical exposure aimed at understanding neonatal care complexities and engaging with the early stages of pregnancy and high-risk obstetrical cases.

Simulation and Ultrasound Workshops

The program emphasizes simulation training, ensuring fellows participate in at least one simulation experience yearly. Additionally, workshops focusing on ultrasound techniques are integrated, enhancing fellows' capabilities in performing neuraxial techniques and focused transthoracic echocardiography 1.

Interactions and Collaborations

Residents in anesthesiology are integral to the fellowship environment, with fellows frequently supervising residents and collaborating in patient care. Educational initiatives such as journal clubs and morning conferences forge an interactive atmosphere wherein fellows can refine their pedagogical skills by presenting topics and engaging with faculty and peers 2.

Application Process & Competitiveness

The program's application adheres to the San Francisco Match protocol. Candidates must hold eligibility or full certification by the American Board of Anesthesiology prior to fellowship commencement, along with taking the USMLE Step 3 and obtaining an Illinois Medical License. The competitiveness of the program is underscored by its appeal to a diverse pool of candidates including both MDs and DOs, reinforcing a welcoming atmosphere for international medical graduates (IMGs) as well 1.

Visa Support

The program offers support for international fellows requiring visa sponsorship, making it suitable for diverse applicants globally. Available visa types include J-1 or H-1B, facilitating international medical graduates' engagement with advanced training in the program.