University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center Program

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a specialized program established to equip trainees with the essential skills and knowledge necessary for a successful career in either academic medicine or clinical practice. This fellowship program commenced accepting its first trainees in 2016, indicating its recent establishment yet strong commitment to advancing expertise in reproductive health.

The program's core educational objective is to provide a comprehensive foundation in both basic and clinical research, alongside state-of-the-art patient care. Trainees will develop proficiency in the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of a wide array of reproductive endocrine disorders. Furthermore, the fellowship includes specialized surgical training, offering hands-on experience with key techniques such as endoscopy, oocyte retrievals, embryo transfers, and the surgical management of abnormalities within the reproductive tract 1.

Curriculum Overview

The fellowship curriculum is meticulously structured to promote consistent and measurable training across critical research aspects, including research design and implementation, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific as well as grant writing. This framework enables flexibility, allowing fellows to explore and develop customized research interests during their training period. Formalized training is complemented by a blend of didactic coursework, research conferences, clinical conferences, and varied clinical rotations 1.

In the first half of Year 1, the focus is largely on clinical training that emphasizes mentored patient care, both on an inpatient and outpatient basis. The primary clinical experience occurs at the OU Physicians Reproductive Medicine Clinic, which serves as a cornerstone of the practical training provided. Additionally, fellows will gain exposure to Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology during this period 1.

Research and Continued Education

The latter half of Year 1 and most of Year 2 will be predominantly oriented towards research activities. All fellows are mandated to complete a Master of Science degree program in Clinical and Translational Science (MSCTS) during their second and third years. This program serves as a vital extension of their training, equipping them with rigorous research capabilities to analyze and interpret complex scientific data 1.

Year 3 will gradually shift the emphasis back toward clinical care, particularly involving assisted reproductive technology techniques and skills. Additional areas of learning include genetics, male infertility, as well as practical time spent in the Andrology, endocrinology, and assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratories 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The fellowship at this program is notably competitive, with a rigorous selection process aimed at identifying candidates who display the high academic standards and clinical acumen necessary for success. While the program is open to various candidates, it remains clear that those with exceptional performance in relevant examinations and substantial clinical experience stand out.1

It is essential for interested candidates to note any special application requirements. These may include stipulations regarding the year of graduation or limitations on the number of failed STEP examinations that the program is willing to accommodate 1.

Visa Support

The program offers essential visa support for international medical graduates seeking to pursue their fellowship training. The types of visa that the program can sponsor typically include J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply and benefit from this fellowship.