UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine/UCLA Medical Center Program

The UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine offers a Complex Family Planning fellowship program designed to empower healthcare providers with the skills necessary to offer comprehensive reproductive health care, particularly in family planning. This advanced training provides a unique educational and clinical experience that emphasizes evidence-based medicine, holistic care, and advocacy for reproductive rights.1

Curriculum

The fellowship curriculum is structured to ensure that fellows gain extensive knowledge and experience in various aspects of family planning. The program incorporates lectures, practical workshops, and clinical rotations. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Advanced contraceptive counseling techniques
• Minimally invasive surgical techniques for abortion provision
• Management of complex contraception cases, including patients with medical comorbidities
• Collaborative care approaches including integration with obstetrics and gynecology

Through these components, fellows are equipped to tackle the complexities associated with family planning, providing comprehensive care tailored to individual patient needs.2

Clinical Rotations

Fellows participate in diverse clinical rotations across several facilities within the UCLA system. These rotations offer exposure to a wide range of patient populations and clinical scenarios. Noteworthy training sites include:

• Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center
• UCLA Santa Monica Medical Center
• Olive View-UCLA Medical Center
• VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

These hospital systems allow fellows to explore various healthcare settings, enhancing their adaptability and preparing them for different challenges in family planning and reproductive health.3

Research Opportunities

The fellowship encourages fellows to engage in research, focusing on reproductive health, health policy related to family planning, and innovations in contraceptive technologies. Collaborations with faculty members who are prominent researchers in the field provide mentorship and support for fellow research initiatives. This dedication to research allows fellows to contribute actively to the evolving landscape of reproductive health while also bolstering their academic credentials.4

Unique Aspects of the Program

UCLA’s Complex Family Planning fellowship stands out in several ways:

• Multidisciplinary Approach: The program involves collaboration with various specialists, allowing fellows to understand family planning within broader healthcare contexts.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The fellowship fosters an inclusive environment, ensuring that fellows train in culturally competent practices adaptable to diverse patient backgrounds.
• Leadership Training: Training extends beyond clinical skills to include leadership development, preparing fellows for roles as advocates in reproductive health policy and education.

These aspects contribute to a well-rounded educational experience that prepares fellows for significant roles in the field of family planning.5

Competitiveness

Admission to the UCLA fellowship is competitive, with a strong emphasis on candidates' commitment to family planning and reproductive health advocacy. The program is noted for being friendly towards diverse applicants, including those from international backgrounds and DO candidates.6

Special Application Requirements

Prospective fellows should be aware of specific requirements during the application process:

• A completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology or a related field is mandatory.
• Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to reproductive health and family planning.
• No maximum failed STEP exam instances are explicitly mentioned, but successful completion is necessary.

Additionally, fellows require visa sponsorship to participate in the program, and the UCLA fellowship can provide support for J-1 and H-1B visa categories.7

Supportive Training Environment

The UCLA fellowship fosters a constructive learning atmosphere characterized by supportive mentorship, collaborative teamwork, and a focus on advancing knowledge and skills in family planning. Resources such as academic counseling, wellness initiatives, and extensive networking opportunities are available to fellows. This supportive framework enhances both personal growth and professional development throughout the fellowship experience.8

By integrating rigorous clinical training with a strong emphasis on advocacy, research, and support, the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine prepares fellows for impactful careers in complex family planning.