University of Connecticut Program

Welcome to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, which offers a comprehensive training program dedicated to high-risk obstetrics. The fellowship program provides an extensive clinical and research experience across four main training sites: UConn John Dempsey Hospital, Hartford Hospital, Saint Francis Hospital, and Connecticut Children’s. Each of these institutions plays a vital role in the education of fellows, contributing to a diverse learning environment where both clinical skills and academic research are emphasized.

Training Structure and Curriculum

The fellowship is structured as a three-year program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), designed to prepare graduates for a career in academic or clinical maternal-fetal medicine. The program features a longitudinal curriculum that integrates clinical rotations with research opportunities, providing fellows with regular feedback and experiences that enhance their skills.

In the first year, fellows rotate through various specialties, including labor and delivery, ultrasound, reproductive genetics, and diabetes management. This year includes two 4-week blocks as Labor and Delivery Directors and exposure to the medical and surgical ICU. First-year fellows have the option to enroll in a tuition-free Master in Clinical Science program, allowing them to start advanced studies concurrently with clinical training.

The second and third years of fellowship consist of alternating blocks of clinical and research time. Fellows during these periods focus on fetal echocardiography, continuity clinics, advanced ultrasound techniques, and undertake significant research efforts.

Research Opportunities

Research is a critical component of the fellowship program. All fellows must complete at least one thesis-level project for graduation, making them eligible for oral boards certification in MFM. The fellowship encourages participation in national meetings and offers stipends for attendance, as well as opportunities for advanced coursework aimed at enhancing research skills. These efforts can support the fellows’ academic aspirations and foster a strong foundation in clinical research.

Rotation Sites and Clinical Exposure

Fellows gain experience at multiple prestigious clinical sites:

• UConn John Dempsey Hospital: This tertiary care center handles over 1,100 deliveries annually, focusing on high-risk pregnancies and offering ample opportunities for hands-on experience in obstetric care.
• Hartford Hospital: Notably one of the larger institutions in the area, this hospital has over 3,900 deliveries per year. The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Division here provides extensive consultations and imaging studies, allowing fellows to gain additional high-risk management skills.
• Saint Francis Hospital: Serving over 2,400 deliveries annually, fellows work alongside a dedicated MFM team that provides comprehensive care for high-risk obstetrics.
• Connecticut Children’s: This facility complements the fellowship with specialized services in pediatric cardiology and fetal care, enhancing the diverse educational landscape fellows are exposed to during training.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program places a strong emphasis on creating an equitable environment for all trainees. UConn Health prioritizes diversity across multiple dimensions, fostering a culture where all members feel empowered to be authentic. Inclusion initiatives seek to create a discrimination-free environment, ensuring all individuals can engage fully within the program.

Application Requirements and Visa Support

Individuals interested in applying must have completed an ACGME accredited residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and must have passed USMLE Step 3. It is important to note that the program does not accept H or O visa sponsorships. The accepted visa types include Permanent Resident status, valid J-1 visas sponsored by the ECFMG, and employment authorization documents. International applicants must possess a valid ECFMG certificate, although this is not applicable to Canadian graduates.

Competitiveness of the Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at UConn is considered highly competitive. The program seeks candidates with a strong academic record and substantial clinical experience. It prides itself on being supportive of a diverse applicant pool, providing equitable opportunities for both U.S. and international medical graduates.