UPMC Medical Education (Harrisburg) Program

The UPMC in Central Pennsylvania Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship is a comprehensive 36-month training program located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. This fellowship is structured to be both clinical and research-oriented, providing fellows with advanced education and training in caring for pregnant patients and their fetuses, prenatal diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as clinical and didactic teaching skills.

The academic environment of the program takes advantage of the diverse case acuity and the volume of complicated pregnancies seen at the institution. This robust setting offers a strong foundation for comprehensive fellowship training in maternal-fetal medicine. Fellows will receive a full scope of clinical experience in high-risk obstetrics and prenatal genetics, ensuring they are well-prepared for a career in this subspecialty.

Training Environment

The program is based at a 634-bed UPMC facility that features the region's largest labor and delivery unit, which houses a level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) equipped with 32 beds. Annually, approximately 4,000 newborn deliveries are performed, highlighting the program's extensive hands-on experience. The maternal-fetal medicine department operates an active maternal transfer service for the central Pennsylvania region, further enhancing the clinical training environment.

Curriculum and Educational Objectives

The fellowship curriculum aligns with the competencies set by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) and the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. By the end of the program, fellows are expected to fulfill all ACGME requirements necessary for subspecialty board certification. This rigorous training is designed to ensure that graduates emerge well-qualified for their careers in maternal-fetal medicine.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship must meet specific requirements to be considered for admission. These include having satisfactorily completed either an AOA or ACGME residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, successfully passing the written certification exam by the ABOG or AOBOG in OB/GYN, and qualifying for a Pennsylvania medical training license. Applications to the fellowship program should be submitted via ERAS, following the components and deadlines established by this system.

Faculty and Mentorship

The program’s dedicated faculty are a key component of the training experience. They deliver a curriculum tailored to provide advanced, focused training in maternal and fetal medicine. Faculty members include experienced specialists in the field, ensuring a wealth of knowledge and mentorship opportunities are available to fellows.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for international medical graduates, typically offering sponsorship for J-1 visas, allowing them to participate in the fellowship training. The program understands the importance of accommodating diverse applicants and supporting their transition into the U.S. medical training environment.

Program Competitiveness

The Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship at UPMC is characterized as highly competitive due to the rigorous training and comprehensive educational experience it offers. The program actively seeks qualified candidates who have demonstrated excellence in their residency and academic endeavors.

Current Fellows

Fellows currently in the program come from diverse backgrounds, with each residing at UPMC through varying levels of training. This mix of experience enriches the learning environment, enabling collaborative interactions among fellows from different post-graduation years.