Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is a comprehensive three-year program that is both ACGME- and ABOG-accredited, accommodating one fellow per year. The program is situated within a tertiary-care center recognized as a maternal transport center for central Pennsylvania, providing a robust training environment.

Program Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship encompasses extensive clinical and educational opportunities, with a significant focus on innovation and research. Training takes place in a state-of-the-art labor and delivery unit equipped with cutting-edge ultrasound technology that supports an annual volume of about 12,000 scans. This experiential learning takes place both in the field and in outpatient offices, where the program director interacts closely with fellows, ensuring a high level of mentorship and guidance.1

The educational curriculum is well-structured and includes core didactic series lectures, clinical and research journal clubs, ultrasound lectures, and a focused genetic series. Additional topics such as epidemiology and biostatistics are integrated into the training. Also part of the fellowship, simulation center training enables fellows to refine their clinical skills in a controlled environment, enhancing their practical proficiency in perinatal care and obstetrical ultrasound.

Fellows receive training across a spectrum of topics that combine perinatal consultations, high-risk obstetrics, prenatal diagnostics, and genetic counseling. Unique to the curriculum is the focus on perinatal genetic training, which includes procedures like amniocentesis and non-invasive prenatal diagnosis. This multifaceted approach equips fellows to address the broad challenges encountered in maternal-fetal medicine.

Research Opportunities

A noteworthy aspect of this program is its commitment to research. About one-third of the fellowship is dedicated to research training, with opportunities for fellows to engage in basic science, translational, and clinical research projects under the guidance of funded faculty. Presenting research at national and international meetings is strongly encouraged, fostering an academic-oriented attitude that is critical for future career development.1

Training Sites and Facilities

Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center stands out as a premier healthcare facility featuring a 611-bed teaching and research hospital, recognized for serving both adult and pediatric populations effectively. It operates as an accredited Level I trauma center, with dedicated units for surgical, neuroscience, and cardiovascular care along with intensive care services.1

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division's Fetal Imaging Suite operates as a full-service obstetrical ultrasound facility, accredited by the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, highlighting a commitment to excellence in patient care and educational standards.

Application Process

Applications to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship are exclusively accepted through ERAS. Applicants must detail their qualifications, and only those selected through this process will advance to the interview stage. Special attention is given to the competitive nature of the program, which evaluates candidates on their educational background and clinical expertise, among other factors.1

Visa Support and Diversity

The program provides visa support for international applicants, allowing sponsorship for J-1 and H-1B visa types. This inclusion helps create a diverse cohort of fellows enriching the academic environment through varied perspectives.1

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

Given the program's strengths and accolades, it is considered highly competitive. The selection process does not impose strict limitations such as a maximum number of failed STEP exams, making it accessible to candidates from diverse backgrounds, including DO and IMG applicants.1

Fellowship Outcomes

Graduates from the program have successfully transitioned to academic or academic-affiliated positions across the nation, contributing to renowned institutions, indicating the program's strong track record in fostering successful careers.1

Wellness and Institutional Support

The program emphasizes wellness, providing multiple resources to support residents and fellows in achieving work-life balance, which is essential for sustaining the physical and emotional health required in demanding medical careers. Institutional initiatives focused on inclusivity and diversity reflect the program's holistic approach to medical education.