University of Pennsylvania Health System Program

Program Overview

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility program at Penn Medicine strives to maximize the fertility potential of all infertile couples through state-of-the-art diagnosis and treatment. The program aims to enhance the understanding of normal and abnormal human reproduction while developing innovative treatments for reproductive disorders. This is achieved through a combination of clinical excellence and research, training clinicians, physician-scientists, and clinician-investigators in the field of human reproduction.

Training Structure

The fellowship program in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility is a three-year program that prepares a significant cadre of physician/scientists for leadership roles in academic medicine. The fellowship is approved for two fellows per year and includes an elective track, allowing participants to pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Epidemiology (MSCE) or a Master of Science in Translational Research.

Clinical Practice and Rotations

Clinical fellows play a crucial role in patient care within the division, receiving supervised training in various aspects of reproductive health. The program operates through Penn Fertility Care, which encompasses three practice sites: the primary site on the Penn campus at 3701 Market Street, Penn Medicine Washington Square, and Penn Medicine Radnor in the western suburbs. Inpatient care is provided at both the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania Hospital, ensuring fellows experience diverse clinical environments.

Research Opportunities

The division boasts an active clinical research component, with a dedicated Reproductive Research Unit (RRU) that was established in 1994. This unit focuses on conducting clinical research and supports fellows in their research efforts. The division collaborates closely with the Center for Research in Reproduction and Women’s Health (CRRWH), which includes over sixty investigators researching reproductive and women’s health issues.

The research focus encompasses cellular and molecular aspects of gamete biology, implantation, embryo development, placental function, and epigenetics. The center has substantial NIH funding and offers a wealth of resources for fellows interested in clinical trials and applied research.

Assisted Reproductive Technologies

The program encompasses a comprehensive Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) laboratory that supports the IVF program, aiming to provide patients with safe and effective fertility treatments. Services offered include oocyte preservation, ICSI, preimplantation genetic diagnosis/screening, and other advanced reproductive technologies.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for international medical graduates, allowing them to apply for J-1 visas, which are commonly used for fellowship programs in the United States. This support facilitates the entry of qualified individuals from around the world into the training program.

Eligibility and Competitiveness

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility fellowship at Penn is considered highly competitive. Candidates are expected to meet specific application requirements, such as being board-eligible in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The program encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including those from Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs and international medical graduates (IMGs).

Unique Aspects

The program has a long-standing tradition of innovation, having been internationally recognized for advancements in microsurgical techniques, laparoscopic surgery, and in vitro fertilization (IVF). As one of eight centers in the United States designated by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development as a Reproductive Medicine Unit (RMU), the program serves as a focus for evaluating infertility treatments and developing objective assessments of effectiveness.