UPMC Medical Education Program

The UPMC Medical Education Program in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, located at the University of Pittsburgh, is an ACGME-accredited fellowship designed to provide comprehensive training in clinical care and research for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders. The program emphasizes a diverse educational experience that covers clinical rotations, surgical skill enhancement, and research opportunities.

Clinical Experience

The curriculum is structured to include extensive inpatient and outpatient rotations in urogynecology, urology, and gastroenterology. The surgical training incorporates various approaches to pelvic floor disorders, including abdominal, vaginal, and laparoscopic techniques. On average, fellows perform 70-75 surgical cases each month, ensuring they gain significant practical experience. The primary training site is UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital, recognized nationally and regionally for excellence in women’s health, boasting 383 licensed beds and ranking among the top ten hospitals for gynecologic care by US News & World Report. Additional training occurs at UPMC Passavant Hospital, a tertiary care center that offers a fusion of specialized programs linked to Magee-Womens Hospital.

Educational Program

The program aims to cultivate fellows into proficient clinicians, innovative researchers, and leading advocates for women's health issues. A distinguishing feature of the fellowship is its integrated focus, merging the disciplines of urogynecology, urology, and colorectal medicine. This immersive training ensures fellows encounter a broad spectrum of cases while dedicating time to patient medical and surgical treatment.

Research Training

Research is a cornerstone of the program, with all fellows engaging in quality improvement projects over a dedicated 12-month research period. Rotations allow fellows to explore both basic science and clinical research, tailored to their specific interests. They gain access to the Magee-Womens Research Institute, notable as the largest institute in the nation focusing on women's health and reproductive biology. The Institute for Clinical Research Education also offers programs that provide fellows with formal training in clinical and translational research, including various degrees and certifications.

Program Specifics

Fellows participate in weekly academic conferences, engage in didactic sessions with diverse healthcare professionals, and collaborate closely within the clinical settings. This fosters a comprehensive educational environment, reinforcing knowledge and skills essential for the fellows’ future careers in academic medicine.

Fellowship Requirements

To be eligible for this fellowship, candidates must be graduates of an ACGME-accredited residency program in obstetrics and gynecology or urology. The duration of the fellowship is three years for obstetrics and gynecology residents, while urology residents complete a two-year fellowship. The program accommodates a total of six fellows, increasing the cohort to two fellows per year to enrich the training experience.

Competitiveness

The fellowship is highly competitive, attracting candidates with a strong ambition for academic medicine, research excellence, and patient care leadership. As part of the application process, candidates must register with the National Resident Match Program and submit their application through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including three letters of recommendation.

Visa Support

The program offers adequate visa support for qualified candidates seeking sponsorship. It typically sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, accommodating international medical graduates aiming to secure a fellowship position.

Application Process

Candidates are required to apply during the December application cycle, and interviews typically take place in April and May. Alongside the standard ERAS requirements, the program encourages applicants to showcase their unique interests and pass experience through their personal statements and letters of recommendation.

Current Fellows

The program currently comprises a diverse group of fellows, each bringing varied expertise and perspectives to enrich the learning environment. This diversity promotes cross-learning and collaboration that benefits all fellows as they progress through the program.

For more thorough insight into the program offerings, responsibilities, and future prospects, interested candidates are encouraged to consider how their career aspirations align with the mission and goals of the UPMC Medical Education Program in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery.