NYU Grossman School of Medicine Program

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine is an advanced training program jointly offered by the Departments of Urology and Obstetrics and Gynecology. This fellowship is designed for residents who have completed primary training in either urology or obstetrics and gynecology. The program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). The structure of the fellowship offers different training lengths based on the applicant's background: three years for obstetrics and gynecology residents and two years for urology residents.

The fellowship aims to recruit both urology-trained and obstetrics and gynecology-trained fellows, leading to variable yearly openings ranging from one to three positions. Fellows engage in rigorous clinical training guided by board-certified faculty, preparing them for future careers in clinical or academic practice. Graduates are eligible to take the subspecialty certification examinations in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (UPRS).

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is carefully structured to ensure comprehensive training in clinical knowledge, surgical skills, research methodologies, and leadership abilities. During their fellowship, participants are expected to teach residents and medical students who rotate through the UPRS service, further fostering an environment of education and mentorship.

Clinical training occurs at several major sites, including Tisch Hospital, Kimmel Pavilion, the Center for Female Pelvic Medicine, and NYU Langone Hospital - Brooklyn, along with NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue. Tisch Hospital and Kimmel Pavilion serve as the primary inpatient facilities, where extensive consultative services are available, and where fellows gain experience in standard and minimally invasive surgical techniques using advanced robotic surgical systems.

Research Opportunities

Research is a fundamental component of the fellowship, consuming approximately one-third of a fellow's total time. Under faculty mentorship, fellows select projects related to various Women’s Health and FPMRS topics. Notable research areas may include urodynamic testing, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and female voiding dysfunction. Fellows are expected to engage in at least three clinical research projects during their first year, resulting in presentations at national meetings and publications in peer-reviewed journals. By the program's final year, fellows are encouraged to conduct a substantial outcomes research project or a basic science project.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship emphasizes not only technical surgical skills but also the importance of compassionate patient interactions. Given the rigorous training, fellows are equipped to handle complex cases, as they will frequently participate in high-volume surgeries involving both robotic and minimally invasive approaches.

The surgical volume is exceptionally high, providing fellows opportunities to work independently and in a role akin to junior faculty members. The fellowship encourages self-sufficiency in case management, leading to valuable experiences in operative settings.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at NYU is competitive but offers a welcoming atmosphere for applicants from both domestic and international backgrounds. While both Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and International Medical Graduate (IMG) candidates are considered, the program does emphasize the need for a solid foundational training experience in either urology or obstetrics and gynecology.

Applicants are required to submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and participation in the National Resident Matching Program (The Match) is mandatory. Special application requirements may include criteria regarding the year of medical school graduation and the maximum allowable failed STEP exams.

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options for international applicants, ensuring that candidates from outside the United States can participate in this valuable training experience. The specific visa types sponsored include J-1 visas, allowing international medical graduates to gain training in the United States.

Conclusion

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship at NYU Grossman School of Medicine represents a unique opportunity for in-depth training in a variety of pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery disciplines. With a strong focus on clinical excellence, research, and education, the fellowship prepares participants for successful careers in either clinical practice or academic medicine.