Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Program

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) Fellowship at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health is a two-year ACGME-accredited program that provides an extensive clinical experience paired with valuable research opportunities. This fellowship aims to equip trainees with the requisite knowledge and skills necessary for diagnosing and managing various conditions including male and female urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and female pelvic floor reconstruction.

The curriculum encompasses comprehensive, multi-disciplinary training that includes female urology, pelvic floor reconstruction techniques (implemented through vaginal, open, laparoscopic, and robotic methods), and management of sexual dysfunction. Moreover, fellows also explore areas such as neuro-urology, neuromodulation, urinary diversion, and urodynamics. Additionally, there are opportunities to engage in male incontinence, erectile dysfunction, and prosthetic surgery, thereby ensuring a well-rounded educational experience in urology.

Faculty and Clinical Program

The fellowship faculty includes operative urologists and urogynecologists who bring specialized expertise in urinary incontinence and female pelvic floor reconstruction. The faculty team is diverse and includes both surgical and non-surgical specialists, ensuring that fellows gain exposure to a full spectrum of skills. Among the faculty are experts in gynecology, colorectal surgery, and gastroenterology, fostering a collaborative atmosphere.

Virginia Mason’s clinical program is designed to provide fellows with the essential resources for hands-on education. The fellow will actively participate in patient care within both outpatient clinic and operating room settings. The high clinical volume at Virginia Mason ensures that the fellow will encounter a diverse range of cases including but not limited to complex urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Graduating fellows will acquire advanced surgical techniques for index cases, robotic assistance in complex surgeries, and specific management of mesh-related complications.

Research Component

During the first year, fellows are allocated six months dedicated to research, which is an integral part of the fellowship experience. The program emphasizes mentorship in clinical research, encouraging fellows to initiate their own projects as well as contribute to existing studies. The fellow will be responsible for the maintenance of a clinical database and will have opportunities to present findings at significant conferences such as the American Urologic Association meeting and the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine & Urogenital Reconstruction winter meeting.

Advanced resources are available to support research activities, including access to a research coordinator for IRB protocol preparation and patient engagement, a database manager for data analysis, and a managing program to oversee project activities and strategic planning.

Application Process

Applications to the fellowship must be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). Candidates are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the ERAS guidelines and application deadlines. The fellowship program also provides valuable resources through the Society for Urodynamics & Female Urology (SUFU) website to aid in the application process. Moreover, fellows can expect virtual interviews scheduled around April each year, with confirmation of dates conveyed through ERAS.

Visa Support

The program is supportive of international medical graduates and may sponsor various visa types for eligible applicants. This inclusivity enhances the fellowship's competitive nature, welcoming candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those holding DO or IMG credentials, thus contributing to a rich learning environment.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

While the fellowship is competitive, its structure is designed to be friendly toward applicants with diverse backgrounds including DOs and IMGs. It is essential for applicants to note any specific requirements, including eligibility concerning graduation years and maximum failed STEP exams to ensure they meet the program's standards.