NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine training program at NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine is designed to provide comprehensive education and hands-on experience to medical students and residents in the field of high-risk obstetrics. The program focuses on preparing future specialists in maternal-fetal medicine by exposing them to a wide array of clinical, educational, and research opportunities.

Curriculum Overview

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine curriculum includes an extensive clinical training component, where trainees work with a diverse patient population experiencing complicated pregnancies. Trainees will have the chance to rotate through various clinical sites, such as the NYU Langone’s Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Program, which uniquely supports the only fetal surgery program on Long Island, and NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island’s New Life Center, where over 5,000 infants are born each year. During the six-week obstetrics and gynecology clerkship, medical students are expected to manage medical and surgical issues related to pregnancy, providing them with foundational knowledge in maternal-fetal care.

Clinical Rotations

Residents engaging in maternal-fetal medicine will participate in rotations that cover pre-pregnancy counseling, maternal complications, fetal health assessments, and post-delivery care. The program promotes early involvement of residents in the management of maternal-fetal patients. In particular, they can participate in the care throughout pregnancy and postpartum periods, fostering continuous patient-physician relationships which are essential for optimal care delivery.

Research Opportunities

Research is a key facet of the training experience. The division is actively involved in clinical and translational research exploring complex pregnancy issues, including diabetes and hypertension management, telemedicine applications for prenatal care, and complications arising from COVID-19. Trainees are encouraged to engage in research leading to publications in high-impact journals, make presentations at various conferences, and contribute to projects aimed at enhancing maternal and neonatal health outcomes. Some recent investigations include studies on preterm birth prediction via cervical elastography and maternal-fetal outcomes associated with cesarean delivery rates.

Training Sites

Besides the primary training site at NYU Langone Hospital—Long Island, the program offers exposure to several facilities across Long Island. This includes community clinics and specialty centers, enabling trainees to benefit from a cadre of healthcare professionals from different specialties. This collaborative approach enhances learning opportunities and prepares trainees for various practice environments.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One unique feature of this program is the Maternal-Fetal Navigator program, which streamlines the transition from pregnancy to postnatal care by ensuring that mothers are introduced to specialists involved in their newborn's care before delivery. The program emphasizes multidisciplinary collaboration, enhancing training and outcomes for both mothers and babies.

Fellowship Training

For those who wish to pursue further specialization, the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship equips trainees with skills necessary for academic medicine, including performing complex in utero procedures and diagnostic interventions. This fellowship is aimed at developing future leaders in maternal-fetal medicine capable of navigating the intricacies of high-risk obstetric care.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates seeking training in maternal-fetal medicine. Common visa types supported include the J-1 visa for exchange visitors and the H-1B visa for specialty occupations, enabling qualified candidates from around the world to apply.

Competitiveness

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine program is known to be highly competitive, welcoming applications from both MD and DO graduates. The program also maintains a friendly stance towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and osteopathic (DO) candidates, emphasizing the importance of a diverse applicant pool.

Application Requirements

Key requirements for application include a completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and preference may be given to candidates with a strong academic record and extracurricular involvement in relevant fields. There may be stipulations regarding the number of failed attempts on the Step examinations, generally limiting candidates to two attempts at the USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 examinations, although specifics can vary.