University of Michigan Program

The University of Michigan's Complex Family Planning Fellowship is a two-year program designed for fellows to gain extensive skills in family planning patient care, research, and advocacy. The program is structured to incorporate interdisciplinary training involving collaboration across various departments within the University of Michigan, enhancing the fellows' understanding of reproductive health and justice. This program sits within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology but leverages resources from the Medical School, School of Public Health, and numerous community advocacy organizations.

Core Program Components

Fellows in the Complex Family Planning Fellowship are trained in the provision of all contraceptive methods as well as methodologies for both medical and surgical termination of pregnancy within the first and second trimesters. The program emphasizes abortion care in medically complex patients, which prepares fellows to manage intricate family planning referrals and hospitalization of these patients, including those who require intensive care. Clinical duties primarily occur at Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and various local family planning centers. Furthermore, all fellows are expected to conduct original research projects related to family planning, with topics often reflecting their personal interests, supported by the comprehensive research infrastructure at the University of Michigan.

Research Opportunities

Fellows have access to a robust array of research centers, including the Michigan Institute for Clinical and Health Research, the Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, and the Center for Bioethics and Social Sciences in Medicine, bolstering their research endeavors. Mentorship is a key component of the program, pairing fellows with experienced faculty to guide them through their research projects. They have opportunities to collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines, ensuring a diverse research experience and exposure to various methodologies.

Didactic Curriculum

The fellowship includes a comprehensive didactic curriculum that covers current research and literature in contraception, abortion, and the family planning care of medically complex patients. This includes collaborative learning experiences with fellows from other specialties, enhancing the understanding of pertinent issues across disciplines. A specific advocacy curriculum educates fellows on effective communication strategies and provides opportunities for involvement in public advocacy efforts.

Electives and Additional Training

Fellows are also granted the flexibility to pursue elective rotations that could be clinical, research-focused, or advocacy-oriented. This freedom allows them to tailor their training experience to align with their individual career aspirations.

Application Information and Competitiveness

Admission to the Complex Family Planning Fellowship is competitive; candidates need to complete requirements including an ERAS application, personal statement, letters of recommendation (minimum of three), USMLE/COMLEX scores, and a medical school transcript. Notably, the program can sponsor J-1 visas for qualified international medical graduates, making it accessible to a wider array of candidates.

Salary and Benefits

The University of Michigan offers a highly competitive salary aligned with similar fellowship positions across the country. Additionally, fellows receive generous benefits, including health insurance and other supportive services to facilitate their personal and professional development.

Uniqueness of the Program

The Complex Family Planning Fellowship stands apart due to its integrated approach to training that combines clinical excellence with deep research involvement. The fellowship's collaborative nature emphasizes equity in reproductive healthcare and prepares fellows to be advocates for change within healthcare systems and policies.