University of Chicago Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine fellowship program at the University of Chicago represents an integrated educational collaboration between the MFM divisions at Endeavor Health and the University of Chicago (UC). This ACGME-accredited program provides extensive clinical experiences aimed at training fellows to become subspecialists in managing pregnancies that are complicated. The program aims not only to prepare fellows in clinical skills but also to support professional growth through research and educational opportunities. Under the guidance of experienced faculty, fellows are engaged in an environment that promotes evidence-based and empathetic care.

Program Aims

The fellowship program is designed with specific goals to:

• Train clinically outstanding subspecialists in Maternal-Fetal Medicine who provide comprehensive care to pregnant people.
• Expand the skills of scientific inquiry among fellows to foster their engagement in research.
• Develop excellence in clinical teaching and education.
• Support fellows' unique interests and strengths for their professional development.

Clinical Experience

The fellowship offers unique clinical training opportunities across two major sites:

• The University of Chicago Medical Center, known for its busy and diverse practices.
• The Endeavor Health System, which is integrated and well-established in the North Shore communities.

Fellows experience high-risk obstetrics in settings characterized by a diverse patient demographic and a volume of over 39,000 deliveries annually. The program has a robust faculty comprising 19 board-certified MFM subspecialists, providing a solid mentorship framework for fellows.

Additionally, fellows receive training in advanced obstetric procedures, including but not limited to:

• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
• Operative deliveries
• Vaginal cerclage

Fellows also have the opportunity to rotate through specialized multidisciplinary clinics that enhance practical training in collaborative care.

Research Experience

The program is committed to providing fellows with a wide range of research opportunities, supported by substantial research funding. The department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Endeavor Health is active in several research initiatives and provides fellows with guaranteed protected research time to conduct studies and create a fellowship thesis.

Fellows are encouraged to participate in broadened research projects through the Illinois Perinatal Quality Collaborative, aiming to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes in the state.

Education Experience

Fellows are engaged in a comprehensive educational curriculum that supplements clinical training. The weekly didactic sessions, educational conferences, and simulation exercises enhance fellows' learning. Some key educational experiences include:

• Weekly didactics on various MFM-related topics
• Participation in journal clubs and a fellowship book club
• Quarterly simulation sessions that provide hands-on experience for practical scenarios

Fellows can also pursue unique educational opportunities, such as the Fellowship in Clinical Medical Ethics or a Master of Science in Public Health Sciences.

Application Process

Interested candidates must apply through the ERAS Fellowships Applications. The program has specific deadlines for application submissions, interview notifications, and acceptance responses. The fellowship provides insights into application requirements, including those who may be recent graduates or the preferred qualifications for candidates.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international medical graduates. It sponsors visas for qualified applicants, which may include J-1 and H-1B visa types for those needing residency or fellowship training in the United States. This support facilitates the inclusion of diverse candidates who contribute to the academic and clinical environment.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This fellowship program is considered highly competitive, attracting a wide range of applicants including U.S. and international medical graduates. Consideration is given to academic performance and additional qualifications, supporting a variety of backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG communities.

The program generally has specific application requirements, which include relevant documentation of training and potential limits on failed STEP examinations.