University of California (San Francisco) Program

The Fellowship in Maternal-Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Genetics at the University of California, San Francisco, focuses on training leaders in the field through exceptional clinical and research experiences. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that encompasses obstetric, fetal, medical, and surgical complications of pregnancy.

Clinical Training

Fellows are actively engaged in both inpatient and outpatient clinical care of patients with complex medical conditions. Training occurs at two primary sites: the UCSF Mission Bay campus and Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital (ZSFG). The Mission Bay site is recognized for its advanced obstetric and neonatal care, including specialized clinics for prenatal diagnosis, fetal therapy, and the Pregnancy and Cardiac Team (PACT). ZSFG provides care to underserved populations and houses the only Level 1 trauma center in San Francisco, offering exposure to high-risk cases.

Fellow rotations include comprehensive experiences in various specialized clinics and departments:

• Labor and Delivery: 2 months (over 3 years)
• Outpatient Care (Mission Bay and ZSFG): 3 months per year
• Prenatal Diagnosis Center: 1 month per year (with opportunities for more)
• Fetal Cardiology: 2 weeks (over 3 years)
• Anticipated Antepartum Training: 1-3 months per year
• Research: 1-5 months per year, accumulating at least 12 months in total during the fellowship period
• Fetal Treatment Center: 1 month (over 3 years)
• Clinical Genetics: 2 months (over 3 years)

Fellow night calls are in-house and typically average two to three calls per month, ensuring adequate supervision and support.

Research Training

Research is a pivotal component of the fellowship, with 12 months of protected research time spread throughout the training. Fellows participate in a six-week course called Training in Clinical Research (TICR) designed to build skills in designing and conducting clinical research. They also engage in monthly research meetings, presenting their work and collaborating with faculty for mentorship.

UCSF's Maternal-Fetal Medicine division boasts a range of esteemed faculty known for their research in maternal-fetal medicine, including genetic studies and clinical perinatal issues. This collaboration fosters an environment conducive to producing impactful research outcomes.

Didactic Training and Conferences

Fellows receive structured educational opportunities through a robust didactic lecture series that occurs weekly, covering essential topics in Maternal-Fetal Medicine as delineated by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Additional conferences include multidisciplinary meetings such as OB-Neonatology morbidity and mortality, maternal-fetal clinical meetings, and obstetrical ultrasound conferences, enriching the fellows' education.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The fellowship program also features combined fellowship pathways, allowing fellows to pursue integrated training in Clinical Genetics and participate in initiatives like the UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative (PTBi). The PTBi aims at groundbreaking research focused on mitigating preterm births and improving maternal and infant health outcomes.

Application Process

Applicants must have completed an ACGME accredited residency and submit a complete ERAS application, alongside three letters of recommendation, including two from individuals within the current residency program. A personal statement reflecting interest in Maternal-Fetal Medicine is also required.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international applicants, typically offering sponsorship for J-1 visas. This support is essential for incoming fellows who require a non-immigrant visa status to complete their training.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The UCSF Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship is recognized as highly competitive. It is welcoming to both DO and international medical graduates (IMGs), enhancing diversity within the applicant pool. Key application requirements also include adherence to residency completion timelines as well as guidelines related to standardized testing failures.