University of North Carolina Hospitals Program

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Overview

The University of North Carolina Hospitals Program in Maternal-Fetal Medicine provides comprehensive training for obstetricians to specialize in the management of high-risk pregnancies. This program is designed for physicians who are looking to expand their clinical knowledge and skills in maternal-fetal medicine through a well-structured fellowship that encompasses extensive clinical practice, research, and leadership development.

UNC’s Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine is committed to managing maternal medical complications associated with pregnancy. Among the services offered are preconception counseling and management of complex prenatal conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension. By utilizing state-of-the-art prenatal evaluation, fetal diagnosis, and treatment options, trainees will have the opportunity to gain practical experience alongside expert clinicians, ensuring minimal risk to both mother and infant during the entire process.

Curriculum and Rotations

The structure of the fellowship experience includes various clinical rotations focusing on obstetrics, gynecology, and maternal-fetal medicine. During these rotations, fellows engage in high-risk obstetric clinics, prenatal testing, and genetic counseling, all designed to familiarize them with both routine and complex cases. Additionally, fellows will work closely with specialists in pediatric surgery, neonatology, and genetics, allowing for a holistic approach to managing high-risk pregnancies.

In addition to clinical training, didactic sessions and seminars are incorporated into the fellowship curriculum. These sessions aim to enhance the fellows' knowledge of the latest research and clinical guidelines in maternal-fetal medicine to better prepare them for independent practice post-fellowship.

Research Opportunities

Research plays a critical role in the fellowship program, with fellows expected to engage in ongoing projects and initiatives that advance the field of maternal-fetal medicine. UNC encourages research participation, providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative environment with multidisciplinary teams.

Fellows have the opportunity to publish their findings in specialized journals and present at national conferences, thereby enhancing their academic and professional credentials. The program has an excellent track record in maternal-fetal medicine research, further enriching the learning experience for incoming fellows.

Unique Aspects of the Program

What sets the UNC Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship apart is its commitment to providing a comprehensive range of services for families facing complex fetal conditions. The program boasts a Fetal Care Center recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities and expert team capable of offering innovative treatment options during pregnancy. The distinctive procedures available include amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, fetal blood sampling, and advanced laser therapy for twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome, among others.

This extensive array of care underscores the program's dedication to excellent maternal and fetal outcomes while enabling fellows to experience a breadth of conditions and treatments.

Training Sites

Fellows will primarily train at the UNC Women’s Hospital, which is recognized for its exemplary labor and delivery services and advanced neonatal intensive care unit. The hospital is part of a larger academic medical center that provides comprehensive healthcare and is equipped with cutting-edge technology and resources necessary for the management of high-risk obstetric patients.

Visa Support and Sponsorship

The fellowship program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, primarily supporting J-1 visas. The program is committed to ensuring access to training for qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship at UNC is competitive, especially attractive to those with exceptional clinical experiences and compelling research backgrounds. Candidates are typically expected to have completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency and may have specific application requirements such as a limitation on the number of failed STEP exams and a preferable graduation year from medical school. The program welcomes applications from both US MDs and DOs, as well as International Medical Graduates (IMGs), provided they meet specific criteria.

Conclusion

The University of North Carolina Hospitals Program in Maternal-Fetal Medicine is dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders in maternal-fetal medicine through a rigorous, multidisciplinary educational experience. By combining clinical training, research opportunities, and cutting-edge care, the fellowship not only prepares individuals for clinical excellence but also for advancements in maternal-fetal health and advocacy.