McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

The Fellowship Program in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine was initiated in 2003, and it currently offers one fellowship position each year. This prestigious three-year fellowship is structured into two primary segments, each lasting 18 months, which enables comprehensive training in this specialized field.

Clinical Experience

During the first year of the fellowship, fellows engage extensively in clinical training. This training is designed to meet all clinical teaching goals specified by the relevant board, ensuring that fellows gain mastery both in clinical environments as well as in operating rooms. The unit supports a robust in vitro fertilization (IVF) program, which performs around 1,300 oocyte retrievals annually, offering fellows practical experience in a high-volume setting. Data regarding the unit’s performance can be reviewed through the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART) page on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.

As trainees progress to the final six months of their training, they will return to clinical settings where they rotate through various sub-specialties, including urology, medical genetics, medical endocrinology, and pediatric endocrinology. This diverse exposure ensures a comprehensive education in reproductive health and infertility management 1.

Research Opportunities

The second segment of the fellowship emphasizes research pursuits. During this 18-month period, fellows will devote most of their time to research in one or various basic science laboratories situated on the medical school campus in Chicago. There may also be opportunities for engaging in basic science training at the main Northwestern campus in Evanston, which broadens the research scope for fellows and enhances their academic profiles.1

Application Process

The fellowship participates in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and adheres strictly to the guidelines governing the match process. Interested applicants are required to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Only one fellow is accepted each year. For fellowships commencing in December 2023, applications must be submitted by May 1, 2024. Interviews are scheduled for September 2024. Essential application components include:

• Completed application through ERAS
• Photograph
• Curriculum vitae (CV)
• Personal statement
• Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE)
• Three to four letters of recommendation, including one from the program director
• USMLE Step I, II, and III scores
• CREOG scores

Inquiries regarding the application process should be directed through formal communication channels 1.

Unique Training Environment

Training at McGaw Medical Center provides unmatched clinical experiences amidst a rich educational backdrop in Chicago, one of the most vibrant cities in the U.S. The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion, ensuring a welcoming environment for fellows from various backgrounds. An array of resources, mentorship opportunities, and training are available to support fellows in their aspirations to excel as physician-scientists, thus integrating research with clinical practice 1.

Current Fellows

As of the latest cohort, the fellowship includes fellows at various stages:

• Sarah Capelouto Cromack, MD - Third Year Fellow, previously completed her OBGYN residency at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, expected to finish her fellowship in Summer 2025.
• Lydia Hughes, MD - Second Year Fellow, who joined in August 2023 after completing her OBGYN residency at Northwestern University, anticipated graduation in Summer 2026.
• Ecem Esencan, MD - First Year Fellow, who began in August 2024 after her residency at Yale New Haven Hospital, aiming to complete her fellowship in Summer 2027.

This structured and intensive training program prepares fellows for successful careers in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, emphasizing both clinical competence and research proficiency 2.