University of Utah Health Program

The University of Utah Health Program in Complex Family Planning offers an exceptional fellowship designed to cultivate future leaders in the field of family planning. This fellowship is part of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) and promotes excellence in clinical care, education, and research. The program focuses on providing highly motivated fellows with hands-on clinical experience, investigative exposure, and the opportunity to make significant contributions to research and advocacy within reproductive health.

The Fellowship is tailored to each fellow’s career goals. Recognizing that each trainee has unique aspirations, the program uses flexibility to enhance the training experience to expand reproductive options for the populations served by its graduates. This rapid expansion creates unique responsibilities and opportunities for fellows, making it a distinctive program in the realm of family planning fellowships 1.

Clinical Training

Family Planning Fellows at the University of Utah are engaged in active generalist OB/GYN clinical practice. The program is associated with high patient volumes, which allows for diverse clinical opportunities. Training entails clinical abortion procedures up to 22 weeks, conducted at the Planned Parenthood Association of Utah (PPAU) Metro Clinic. This facility performs over 2,000 medical and surgical terminations annually, being the sole provider of second-trimester procedures in the state. Moreover, PPAU supplies preventive medical care and contraception to approximately 30,000 women each year, establishing itself as the leading provider of affordable vasectomy services in Utah 1.

The fellowship fosters collaboration with PPAU, further enhancing trainees’ exposure to care improvement research for women in Utah. Fellows not only supervise resident clinics but also fulfill callback obligations as attending physicians for inpatient services. Each fellow takes on a critical role in the Contraception for High-Risk Patients Clinic, providing specialized contraceptive services to patients facing complex medical issues 1.

Research Education and Opportunities

The University of Utah has established itself as a National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored Center for Clinical and Translational Science, offering research courses and an MSc in Clinical Investigation to fellows. The program provides a longitudinal seminar series and emphasizes mentored clinical research projects. Family Planning Fellows are encouraged to audit various courses aimed at augmenting their research capabilities, fostering a productive environment for innovation and discovery 1.

Fellows are actively involved in the Department’s clinical research initiatives, expected to complete between five to ten publications during their training. The Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN) provides foundational support for research planning and execution, ensuring fellows can maximize learning and exposure to ongoing research projects while directing their own efforts 1.

Mentorship and Support

The program emphasizes strong mentorship, connecting fellows with Fellowship Directors and clinical faculty regularly. Fellows benefit from the substantial resources provided by the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, including guidance on study design, execution, and access to NIH-sponsored researchers proficient in family planning methodologies, research funding, and career growth 1.

Clinical Training Sites

The fellows will gain experience across several key training sites including:

• University of Utah Health Sciences Center
• Planned Parenthood Association of Utah
• LDS Hospital

These sites significantly contribute to a comprehensive clinical education experience for the fellows 1.

International and Collaborative Opportunities

The University offers international experiences through its Global Health Programs in different countries including Thailand, Ecuador, and Ghana. Fellowship alumni often engage with NGOs or work in community clinics focused on reproductive health. The program collaborates with local non-profits aimed at promoting public health across regions with high maternal and child mortality rates, enhancing the training experience through global perspectives 2.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The fellowship program is competitive, with one position available each year. The application process is open to physicians who have completed an accredited OB/GYN or family medicine residency in the United States or Canada. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to family planning and research, with strong consideration given to their overall qualifications, including academic performance and relevant experience 1.

The University of Utah Health Program is inclusive and recognizes the importance of diversity, making the environment supportive not only for US-trained applicants but also for international medical graduates (IMGs) 1.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international fellows, typically sponsoring J-1 visas for clinical trainees, ensuring that qualified candidates from around the globe can participate in this prestigious fellowship without immigration obstacles 1.