University of Utah Health Program
Location:
Salt Lake City, UTSpecialty:
Complex family planningACGME Code:
2364922001The 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.
Website
Director
-- Appointed Since January 1970 -Coordinator
Program
Program Size
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Quality of Life
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-First year max cons. hours on duty:
-First Year Salary:
$82,731First Year Paid Vacation:
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-Training
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Admission
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-Location
Salt Lake City, UT
Housing - Rental Prices
Crime - All Violent Offences
Living in Salt Lake City, UT
- Crime Rate and Safety: Salt Lake City has a relatively low crime rate compared to other major U.S. cities. The city is generally safe, but like any urban area, it's advisable to take precautions, especially in certain neighborhoods.
- Fun Activities: Salt Lake City offers a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities thanks to its proximity to mountains and national parks. Residents can enjoy skiing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. The city also has cultural attractions like museums, theaters, and a vibrant dining scene.
- Climate: Salt Lake City has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. Residents experience all four seasons, with snowfall in winter and warm temperatures in summer.
- Races and Population: Salt Lake City has a diverse population with a mix of different races and ethnicities. The city is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
- Education: Salt Lake City offers excellent educational opportunities with top-ranked schools and universities in the area. Residents have access to quality education from elementary school through higher education.
- Cost of Living: The cost of living in Salt Lake City is relatively moderate compared to other major cities in the U.S. Housing costs, utilities, and groceries are generally affordable, although prices have been increasing in recent years.
- Proximity to Bigger Cities: Salt Lake City is a few hours' drive away from larger urban centers like Las Vegas (about 6 hours), Denver (about 8 hours), and Phoenix (about 10 hours). This allows residents to take weekend trips to explore these cities.
- Pros: Outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse population, good educational options, moderate cost of living.
- Cons: Cold winters, potential air quality issues, some neighborhoods may have higher crime rates.
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