UPMC Medical Education Program

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Overview

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Training Program at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital offers a comprehensive educational experience designed to prepare trainees for a successful career as subspecialists. The program is currently approved to accept three fellows per year, ensuring a focused and individualized training environment.

The fellowship aims to train competent subspecialists capable of managing complicated pregnancies, consulting with referring physicians, and pursuing academic medicine opportunities. Fellows are encouraged to take advantage of advanced degrees and professional development resources available throughout their training.

Clinical Experience

At UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, renowned for its excellence in women’s health, fellows benefit from an extensive clinical experience marked by high patient volume and diverse cases. Key features of the clinical training include:

• Over 10,000 deliveries are performed annually, providing significant exposure to various obstetrical scenarios.
• Approximately 625 patients are transferred each year for high-risk perinatal care, allowing fellows to engage in complex case management.
• Annually, more than 80,000 ultrasound examinations are performed, enhancing fellows' skills in fetal assessment and imaging techniques.
• Training in advanced interventional techniques, such as amniocentesis, chorionic villus sampling, and procedures through the Center for Innovative Fetal Intervention.

Research Opportunities

A pivotal aspect of the fellowship is the research component, facilitated by the Magee-Womens Research Institute. The institute is recognized as one of the largest research facilities in the U.S. dedicated to women’s and infants’ health. The research opportunities include:

• Access to large multi-center databases through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Unit Network.
• Formal faculty mentoring tailored to support fellows in their ongoing research projects.
• Extramural funding from sources such as the National Institutes of Health and internal funds to support innovative research endeavors.

Educational Experience

The educational structuring of the fellowship promotes a robust foundation in evidence-based medicine through various didactic opportunities:

• Weekly protected didactics extending across three hours each week.
• Monthly journal clubs and regular Grand Rounds, encouraging fellows to critically evaluate current literature and clinical practices.
• Funding for graduate coursework in biostatistics and research methodology through the Institute for Clinical Research Education (ICRE) during the second year of fellowship.
• Opportunities to pursue additional education through certificate or master’s degree programs in relevant fields.

Application Process

Prospective applicants to the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship must submit their applications via the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including the following essential documents:

• A complete online application, Curriculum Vitae, and a Personal Statement.
• Medical School transcripts and Medical School Performance Evaluations (MSPE).
• Official test transcripts for all relevant examinations (including USMLE Steps I, II, and III).
• A minimum of four letters of recommendation, with one from the chairman of the residency training department.

Visa Support and Requirements

The program provides support for visa sponsorship for eligible international medical graduates. Generally, the program can sponsor J-1 visas. However, applicants on H-1B status must ensure compliance with specific requirements.

Competitiveness and Special Application Requirements

The Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital is regarded as a highly competitive program. Candidates are often evaluated based on the quality of their national board scores, letters of recommendation, and relevant experience. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) and DO candidates are welcome, fostering a diverse training cohort.

Special application requirements include a completion of an ACGME-accredited residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology prior to the fellowship start date. The program does not impose maximum limits on failed STEP exams, broadening the pool of eligible candidates.