University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

The Complex Family Planning Fellowship at the University of North Carolina Hospitals in Chapel Hill offers a comprehensive program designed to provide trainees with exceptional clinical, research, and educational training in the subspecialty of family planning. This fellowship focuses on advanced training in reproductive health, emphasizing the management of complex contraceptive needs and abortion care.

Program Overview

The fellowship is a two-year program that prepares residents to become leaders in the field of complex family planning. UNC Hospitals is known for its collaborative environment and interdisciplinary approach, enabling fellows to develop robust clinical practices and engage in significant research opportunities.

Clinical Training

Clinical training encompasses a variety of experiences, including rotations in a comprehensive academic abortion clinic and family planning/contraception clinics. Fellows gain exposure to management practices of induced and spontaneous abortions for social, maternal health, and fetal indications. This academic clinic serves as a referral center for surrounding physicians and abortion clinics throughout North Carolina, promoting an integrated service that includes resource access for medical, social, psychological, and genetic support when necessary.1

The academic family planning/contraception clinics are primarily fellow-run under attending supervision. This model provides fellows the opportunity to work closely with medical students and residents, further enhancing their teaching skills. These clinics specialize in managing complex contraceptive needs, such as difficult IUD insertions/removals and sterilization consultations.2

Research Opportunities

Research is a pivotal component of the Complex Family Planning Fellowship. Significant collaborative efforts exist with various centers at UNC-Chapel Hill, including the Center for AIDS Research and the UNC Global Women’s Health program.1 Fellows have access to numerous research opportunities within the UNC community, which consistently ranks highly for its academic scholarship and research commitments.

Fellow Responsibilities and Privileges

Fellows are granted full admitting and surgical privileges as gynecologists. This substantial responsibility allows for both autonomy and mentorship, as fellows take calls on Labor and Delivery one weekend each month, further enhancing their clinical exposure.2 Additionally, this program provides the opportunity for fellows to run their own gynecology service, contributing to further leadership development.

Application Process and Requirements

The application process for the Complex Family Planning Fellowship is selective. Candidates must have completed an accredited residency in obstetrics and gynecology and meet specific academic standards. There are no exact requirements on the year of graduation, but candidates should ideally be within a few years of finishing their residency. Significant consideration is given to the candidate’s clinical performance and commitment to family planning.2

Visas and Sponsorship

For international medical graduates and fellows considering this fellowship, the program can support J-1 visa sponsorship. Those interested in applying should prepare the necessary immigration documentation and highlight any completed ECFMG certification.

Competitiveness and Selection

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting a diverse range of candidates, including both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates. The selection committee places importance on the applicant's academic performance, dedication to the field of family planning, and prior clinical experiences in women's health.

Unique Aspects of the Program

UNC Hospitals' Complex Family Planning Fellowship prides itself on a holistic approach that includes addressing complex social, emotional, and psychological factors impacting reproductive health. The program fosters a supportive atmosphere, encouraging fellows to pursue individual clinical interests while being part of a stimulating learning environment that values collaboration and mentorship.

Overall, the Complex Family Planning Fellowship at the University of North Carolina Hospitals provides a robust and dynamic training experience, preparing fellows for academic, clinical, and leadership roles in family planning and reproductive health.