University of Chicago Program

The Fellowship in Complex Family Planning at the University of Chicago is a specialized program designed for physicians seeking to develop high-level research experience and clinical skills in various aspects of Family Planning. The program offers a comprehensive curriculum where fellows receive extensive clinical training and engaged research experience, along with the opportunity to earn a master’s degree from the Department of Health Studies.

Fellows in this program are immersed in clinical care provided through the Ryan Residency Training Program clinic, offering them ample chances to teach residents and medical students, thereby enriching their educational experience. The fellowship encompasses various aspects of clinical training, ensuring a robust foundation in:

• All methods of pregnancy termination
• Diagnostic methods to confirm uterine and tubal pregnancy, including ultrasound
• Complex contraception
• Sterilization
• Gynecologic surgery
• Anesthesia and pain control

Research Program

The research component of the fellowship is equally critical, where each fellow develops a structured research project over the course of their training. Under the guidance of dedicated mentors, fellows acquire essential skills in study design, grant writing, and statistical analysis. Opportunities abound for fellows to engage in various research initiatives within the Section, depending on personal interests that might range across clinical, basic science, and/or social science realms. Typically, fellows are expected to complete two significant research projects during their fellowship tenure.

The research program's components include:

• Training in epidemiology and biostatistics
• Study design
• Grant writing
• Presentation at grand rounds and national conferences
• Guidance and potential funding for family planning-related research studies

Master's Degree

Upon completion of the fellowship, fellows earn a master's degree, specially tailored for post-doctoral students. This program emphasizes intensive education in biostatistics and clinical research, culminating in the development of a Master’s thesis of publishable quality, which is a critical component of the educational experience provided by the University of Chicago.

Compensation & Benefits

Fellows are supported with a competitive annual salary and comprehensive health insurance coverage. Additionally, funding is available for international work experience and attendance at professional conferences, further augmenting the fellows' exposure and professional development opportunities. The program emphasizes not just clinical excellence, but also ensuring that fellows have the necessary resources to thrive academically and professionally.

Visa Support

The program is friendly towards international medical graduates (IMGs) and provides visa sponsorship for eligible candidates. Common visa types that the program can sponsor include the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which is typically preferred for fellowship positions in the medical field, allowing fellows to gain valuable experience while fulfilling the necessary requirements for their training.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Fellowship in Complex Family Planning is known to be highly competitive, attracting a diverse pool of applicants from various backgrounds, including U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. Special application requirements include completion of a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, and a limit on the number of STEP exam failures that are typically considered acceptable. The program seeks individuals who demonstrate a commitment to advancing in the field of Family Planning and who can contribute to the diverse goals of the fellowship.