New York Presbyterian Hospital (Cornell Campus) Program

The fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at the Ronald O. Perelman and Claudia Cohen Center for Reproductive Medicine, affiliated with New York Presbyterian Hospital, offers a comprehensive and rigorous training program designed to prepare fellows for careers in academic and clinical reproductive endocrinology. The program admits two clinical fellows each year through the National Resident Matching Program.

Program Structure

The fellowship spans three years, with the curriculum divided as follows: 18 months focused on laboratory and clinical investigation, 12 months dedicated to clinical reproductive endocrinology, and 6 months of electives, which can be tailored to research or clinical interests. This structure allows fellows to gain extensive exposure to both the clinical and laboratory aspects of reproductive endocrinology.

Fellows benefit from mentorship provided by an interdisciplinary faculty with expertise in reproductive, pediatric, and medical endocrinology, as well as genetics. The program is accredited by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Clinical Training

Fellows receive hands-on training in various clinical settings, such as the Endocrine Laboratory, where they acquire practical knowledge about endocrine assays and their applications in research and patient care. The fellowship covers a wide spectrum of endocrinopathies and infertility challenges, including neuroendocrine disorders, gonadal disorders, and various female and male infertility issues. Additionally, fellows learn the diagnostic and interpretive skills necessary to analyze imaging studies and perform essential procedures.

This training ensures that fellows develop the skills needed to manage complex reproductive cases, including the psychological components associated with reproductive endocrine disorders and infertility.

Research Opportunities

An integral component of the fellowship is research participation, culminating in a third-year thesis. Fellows engage in both clinical and basic research initiatives, gaining skills essential for academic careers. They learn to design studies, perform statistical analyses, and critically evaluate the scientific literature. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, fellows have the opportunity to publish their findings in reputable journals.

The program emphasizes innovative fertility preservation techniques and covers advanced embryology and assisted reproductive technologies, providing fellows with hands-on experience in IVF procedures and techniques.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program maintains a high volume of clinical activity, with over 3,500 IVF cycles and more than 100,000 patient visits annually. This exposure ensures that fellows can apply advanced reproductive techniques and gain significant clinical experience. The unique focus on the integration of genetics and reproductive health, particularly in the context of various disorders, further enhances the fellows' educational experience.

Graduate Level Coursework

To complement their clinical training, fellows are required to complete at least two university graduate-level courses. Courses cover topics such as clinical genetics and biostatistics, ensuring that fellows are well-versed in the critical aspects of research and clinical practice.

Visa Sponsorship and Application Requirements

The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and sponsors visas for eligible applicants. The specific types of visas supported may include J-1 and H-1B. Special application requirements include completion of an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology-approved residency, a detailed fellowship application via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and submission of a career statement, CV, photograph, and three letters of recommendation. It is important for applicants to note that the deadline for application submission is May 1.

Competitiveness

The REI fellowship at New York Presbyterian Hospital is considered highly competitive. Successful candidates are expected to have demonstrated excellent academic performance and relevant experiences in obstetrics and gynecology, alongside strong letters of recommendation.