MedStar Health Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center Program

The MedStar Health—Washington Hospital Center Fellowship Program in Maternal-Fetal Medicine is an ACGME-accredited training opportunity that is intricately designed to provide comprehensive education in the field of maternal-fetal medicine. It is sponsored jointly by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at both MedStar Washington Hospital Center (MWHC) and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital (MGUH). The majority of the clinical rotations take place at MWHC, which is a 926-bed teaching hospital known as the largest private, not-for-profit hospital in the nation's capital. MWHC is recognized among the top national hospitals according to U.S. News & World Report and has distinct facilities including a large Labor and Delivery suite with 12 labor, delivery, and recovery (LDR) rooms and a level three NICU that admits over 900 neonates annually.1

At MWHC, patients experiencing pregnancy complications are cared for in a specialized antepartum/post-partum unit, whereas critically ill patients are managed in multiple medical/surgical ICUs. MFWC also houses the Prenatal Diagnosis Center, where fellows gain proficiency in various invasive procedures including ultrasound and chorionic villus sampling.1

Training Sites

The fellowship offers rotations not only at MWHC but also at MGUH and Children’s National Medical Center (CNMC), which enriches the clinical training. At MGUH, fellows experience a well-equipped Labor and Delivery unit, a dedicated Postpartum unit, and a specialized NICU that provides comprehensive neonatal care.1

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is systematically structured to facilitate three years of intensive training, covering essential aspects of maternal-fetal medicine. Exposure includes high-risk continuity clinics, ultrasound, genetics, fetal imaging, and surgical ICU rotations. In the latter years, fellows partake in advanced ultrasound didactics, alongside gaining clinical experiences managing complex fetal and maternal conditions, at both MWHC and MGUH.1

Fellows will also engage in a longitudinal experience in research, designating 12 months of the fellowship solely for research endeavors. Research initiatives are supported through the MedStar Health Research Institute and various core research services.1

Research Opportunities

Research constitutes a substantial portion of the fellowship with dedicated time allocated in the later years. It is emphasized that fellows develop and complete at least one research study that can later serve as a thesis for their board certification in MFM through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Noteworthy support structures include a partnership with the NIH that allows fellows to access substantial research resources.1

Application Process & Requirements

All interested applicants must have completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology and be eligible to sit for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology MFM board examination. The program typically accepts three fellows per cycle for the Maternal-Fetal Medicine pathway, while the combined Maternal-Fetal Medicine/Genetics track accommodates one fellow every two years.2

Special Considerations

Fellows interested in combined pathways or specialized training tracks should prepare for a rigorous application process, applying through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) with all supporting documents. Due to the program's focus on maternal-fetal medicine and its competitiveness, it is also vital to note that candidates from DO and IMG backgrounds are considered if they possess an adequate level of training and performance in applicable licensure examinations.2

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, primarily through the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa program. This facilitates the training of fellows who are foreign nationals, allowing them to participate fully in the educational environment.2

Salary and Benefits

Fellows will receive a competitive salary that is commensurate with PGY levels, along with a full benefits package that includes health insurance, vacation days, and research funding opportunities.1

Competitiveness

The MedStar Health Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship is regarded as highly competitive, reflecting its robust training structure, opportunities for hands-on learning, and interaction with a diverse patient population. The program attracts a wide array of applicants, and successful candidates will be those who exhibit exceptional resilience, a deep commitment to the field, and strong academic performance in their previous medical education.2