McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University Program

Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship is a robust, ACGME-accredited program focusing on training surgeon-scientists in the management of complex pelvic floor disorders. The fellowship spans three years for gynecology applicants and two years for those from urology backgrounds, positioned uniquely as an integrated training approach offered by both the Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Urology.

The primary goal of the fellowship is to prepare fellows to provide exemplary clinical and surgical care while engaging in significant research. This is facilitated through a balanced curriculum that emphasizes the mastery of surgical and clinical skills alongside a robust research commitment.

Curriculum Structure

The fellowship includes two years of intensive clinical work focusing on urinary incontinence and pelvic floor disorders, culminating in one year dedicated to clinical and translational research. Fellows gain exposure to a variety of clinical settings and surgical techniques aimed at promoting women's pelvic health. This comprehensive curriculum ensures that fellows emerge as skilled specialists, equipped to mentor future generations in this subspecialty.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows engage with multiple attending physicians and participate in various clinical rotations that cover both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Rotations may include experiences at notable institutions such as Prentice Women's Hospital, known for its specialization in gynecological surgery and its status as one of the highest volume delivery hospitals in Chicago with over 11,000 deliveries annually.

Integrated Pelvic Health Programs

Northwestern Medicine's Integrated Pelvic Health Program encompasses a multi-faceted approach to treating pelvic floor disorders. Fellows work alongside board-certified URPS faculty and access advanced diagnostic and investigative modalities, including multichannel urodynamics and anorectal manometry.

Research Opportunities

Research is integral to the fellowship, with fellows expected to engage actively in various ongoing projects. The program supports fellows in initiating their research endeavors early during their training, allowing them to design and execute studies that align with their interests. Areas of focus include clinical trials examining surgical outcomes and the utility of patient-reported outcomes, all supported by a dedicated research faculty and resources.

With dedicated blocks of time set out for research throughout the fellowship, fellows are afforded the opportunity to lead their independent studies, ultimately preparing them for careers as clinician-researchers.

Conferences and Academic Meetings

Regularly scheduled conferences form a backbone of the educational experience. Fellows participate in weekly departmental and interdisciplinary meetings, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among faculty, fellows, residents, and medical students. Topics covered span clinical cases, research advancements, and literature review, promoting continuous learning.

Unique Training Programs

The program offers two specialized clinical initiatives targeting specific populations: the Peripartum Evaluation & Assessment of the Pelvic Floor around Delivery (PEAPOD) Clinic focuses on providing care for women experiencing childbirth-related pelvic floor injuries, while the CARE Clinic addresses congenital and transitional care needs for patients with genitourinary anomalies.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The fellowship program provides visa sponsorships, primarily for J-1 and H-1B visa types for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs). The competitiveness of the program is notable, and it maintains a welcoming approach towards both MD and DO applicants. This inclusive stance enhances the depth of the fellowship cohort, integrating diverse backgrounds and perspectives in the training environment.

Application Process

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), with specific requirements including submission of a personal statement, curriculum vitae, USMLE transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a recent photograph. The fellowship offers positions for one fellow per year, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.

The program emphasizes diversity and inclusion and aims to cultivate a nurturing training environment for all fellows, promoting a holistic approach to education and professional development.