University of New Mexico School of Medicine Program

The University of New Mexico School of Medicine offers a specialized fellowship program in Complex Family Planning, designed to provide comprehensive training and education in reproductive health. This fellowship focuses on enhancing patient care, research, and education in the field of family planning. The program strives to empower women and girls in the Southwest through accessible and evidence-based reproductive health services.

Program Vision and Mission

The vision of the Complex Family Planning division is centered on empowering individuals by providing optimal reproductive health care. The mission of the program includes delivering quality, safe, and patient-centered reproductive health services alongside exceptional family planning consultative services, ensuring timely access and follow-up for patients. The division emphasizes innovation in research and collaboration with community partners to advocate for reproductive justice and address public health burdens associated with pregnancy and reproductive health choices 1.

Clinical Training and Educational Opportunities

Fellows in Complex Family Planning will receive hands-on training from highly skilled faculty in a variety of clinical settings. Key components of the training include:

• Providing all forms of birth control, including hormonal and non-hormonal options.
• In-clinic abortion care and management of complicated procedures.
• Options counseling and decision-making support for women facing unintended pregnancies.
• Exposure to advanced contraceptive methods and comprehensive management of reproductive health complications.
• Opportunities to engage in innovative community-focused reproductive health research.

The fellowship also incorporates extensive outreach, involving partnerships with local organizations, thus enriching the clinical experience by addressing the specific needs of underserved populations 1.

Research Focus

The research conducted within the Complex Family Planning Division addresses critical areas of reproductive health. Focus areas include:

• Contraceptive methods and their utilization in diverse populations.
• Cost-effectiveness analyses in reproductive health.
• Patient perspectives surrounding contraception and abortion.
• Emergency simulations for medical education and residency training.
• Telehealth services and their impact on reproductive health access.

This commitment to research is supported by established infrastructure and collaborations that facilitate significant contributions to the field of family planning 1.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Notably, the University of New Mexico offers the Kenneth J. Ryan Residency Training Program as part of the fellowship. This program aims to enhance family planning education and includes:

• In-depth training on all contraceptive methods, including irreversible options.
• Procedural training in first and second-trimester abortion care.
• Didactic sessions that promote understanding of health disparities related to reproductive health.
• Rich advocacy engagements through local and national organizations, emphasizing community-based healthcare delivery.

The program's status as a Center of Experience for complex Nexplanon removals illustrates its commitment to advanced training in family planning techniques 1.

Training Settings and Rotations

Residents and fellows will have clinical rotations at the UNM Center for Reproductive Health, collaborating with board-certified clinicians and trained healthcare professionals. The training encompasses a full-spectrum family planning clinic setting which facilitates:

• Exposure to a diverse patient population, including patients with complex medical histories.
• Active participation in clinical decision-making and patient management.
• A supportive environment for learning procedures and advanced techniques.

The involvement of fellows in clinical rotations provides opportunities to engage in comprehensive care, enhancing both educational and practical experiences in family planning 1.

Visa Support and Application Competitiveness

The Complex Family Planning fellowship program provides visa sponsorship for qualified international medical graduates or foreign applicants, typically supporting J-1 visa status. This makes the fellowship accessible to a diverse range of candidates, including those from outside the United States.

When considering competitive aspects, the program is designed to be welcoming to various applicants, including those from DO backgrounds and international medical graduates. Candidates are assessed on multiple attributes, and the fellowship is aimed at those interested in advancing their expertise in family planning.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the fellowship program are generally expected to have completed their residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) before applying. Specific application criteria may include:

• A requirement for no more than one failed STEP exam.
• The preferred year of graduation from residency programs may have certain specifications relevant to the admissions review process.

It is advisable for interested candidates to review any unique qualifications or additional documentation that may strengthen their application.