University of Southern California/Los Angeles General Medical Center (USC/LA General) Program

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at the University of Southern California and Los Angeles General Medical Center offers an extensive and competitive training program designed to equip fellows with the skills required to provide comprehensive care for mothers and their unborn children. This program stands out due to its affiliation with a highly regarded medical institution and its commitment to serving a diverse and underserved population in Los Angeles.

About the Division

The Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine comprises twelve double board-certified specialists focused on prenatal diagnosis and managing obstetrical complications, fetal anomalies, and maternal medical diseases during pregnancy. Faculty members are actively involved in patient care, education, and research, with many holding leadership roles at various levels. The division is recognized for its development of protocols for maternal and fetal care that are widely adopted across the country 1.

Training & Education

The fellowship program is structured to provide extensive clinical training and research opportunities. Training occurs at several sites, including Los Angeles General Medical Center, California Hospital Medical Center, and Huntington Hospital. The main training site, Los Angeles General Medical Center, is a major referral center for high-risk pregnancies, reflecting the program's focus on real-world challenges in obstetrical care. It is noteworthy that the hospital treats a predominantly underserved, inner-city population, allowing fellows to gain invaluable experience managing complex cases 5.

Clinical Rotations

Fellows rotate through various subspecialty clinics, including genetics/prenatal diagnosis and fetal echocardiography. They manage high-risk obstetric conditions, closely monitor patients with chronic diseases, and engage in multidisciplinary care involving various specialties such as neurology, endocrinology, and cardiology. The antepartum service allows fellows to consult on obstetric admissions outside of the labor and delivery setting, thus enhancing their clinical acumen 6.

Labor and Delivery Experience

Fellows receive critical hands-on experience as labor and delivery supervisors at California Hospital Medical Center, where they contribute significantly to inpatient obstetric care. They are also exposed to administrative responsibilities, participating in policy and procedure refinement, which is a crucial aspect of their training 7.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages fellows to participate in clinical and basic science research from the onset of their fellowship. Mentorship from experienced faculty combined with robust investigative resources at USC and Los Angeles General Medical Center fosters an environment conducive to developing independent researchers. Fellows are supported in presenting their findings at local and international meetings, with financial backing for relevant expenses 8.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum spans three years, encompassing 12 months dedicated to clinical maternal-fetal medicine, 12 months for research, 2 months as a labor and delivery supervisor, 1 month in critical care, and 9 months of electives or research. Elective opportunities can include outpatient prenatal ultrasound, fetal surgery, and pediatric genetics 9.

Application Process

Eligible candidates must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) and be fully trained in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Importantly, the program only accepts J-1 visas for international medical graduates. Candidates must be able to obtain medical licensure in California and are encouraged to complete their applications ahead of deadlines to facilitate a smooth selection process 10.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is competitive, attracting applicants from a range of medical backgrounds. Graduates of reputable institutions and those who can demonstrate strong clinical acumen and previous experiences in related fields are favored. There is significant diversity in the educational backgrounds of past fellows, with many going on to pursue academic careers or leadership roles in various medical institutions following graduation 11.