Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University Program

The Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) fellowship program at Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island, affiliated with Brown University, offers a three-year training regimen dedicated to the complexities of reproductive medicine. This program strives to equip fellows with comprehensive clinical training, a robust research foundation in reproductive biology, and essential teaching skills. Critically, the program adheres to the core values of innovation and patient-centered care, fostering an environment where large ideas can shape the future of reproductive health.

Women and Infants Hospital serves as the primary teaching facility for the REI fellowship program and is renowned for its comprehensive suite of services, addressing a breadth of women's health needs. The institution is a top ranked OB/GYN department in national assessments, largely due to its substantial emphasis on research and clinical excellence.

Curriculum Structure

The REI fellowship curriculum is composed of a blend of clinical duties and didactic learning, typically divided into 12-18 months of research/didactic components and 18-24 months of clinical REI exposure. Fellows engage in various clinical rotations, gaining substantial experience in managing complex infertility cases under progressively increasing responsibilities.

Clinical Rotations

At Women & Infants Hospital, fellows gain hands-on experience in several core areas, including fertility preservation, reproductive surgery, and hormonal management, while also accessing advanced assisted reproductive technologies. The program emphasizes a collaborative approach, allowing fellows to work closely with faculty and peers in numerous subspecialties related to obstetrics and gynecology.

Research Opportunities

The fellowship places a significant emphasis on research, encouraging fellows to engage in meaningful projects that may address critical issues in reproductive health. Research areas may include oncofertility and disparities in access to reproductive health services. The program reportedly provides ample opportunities for presenting findings at national conferences, facilitating professional networking and furthering academic profiles.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Fellows benefit from a supportive learning environment that promotes personal and professional growth. The collaborative nature of the program is further enhanced by faculty dedicated to education, mentorship, and holistic patient care. Unique features of the REI fellowship include comprehensive exposure to LGBTQ+ health care and various reproductive technologies.

Training Sites

The Women & Infants Hospital is recognized as a leading specialty hospital, serving as the main site for clinical training. Its facilities include advanced IVF labs and surgical units equipped for both metric and open surgical approaches. As a terpcenter for occupational and obstetric care, the hospital sees a substantial number of OB/GYN procedures and deliveries per year, which enriches the learning experience for fellows.

Visa Support

The program supports international medical graduates (IMGs) in obtaining the appropriate visas for training. It typically sponsors J-1 Exchange Visitor visas, and may consider H-1B visas for candidates who meet specific requirements. IMGs must hold ECFMG certification, and recent graduates within five years from graduation are preferred.

Competitiveness

Application to the REI fellowship is competitive, with a focus on high academic performance, relevant clinical experience, and research contributions. Applicants are typically expected to have completed a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology and meet minimum requirements regarding USMLE scores. It is known to foster an inclusive environment, welcoming applicants from diverse educational backgrounds, including international and DO graduates.

Special Application Requirements

To apply for the fellowship, candidates must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), including a minimum of three letters of recommendation—one from a Program Director and two from other specialties reflecting on the applicant's qualifications. Furthermore, successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and 2 is required, with a passing status on Step 1 being mandatory.

Fellowship Experience

The fellowship experience emphasizes the development of surgical skills, encompassing both laparoscopic and traditional techniques. Opportunities exist for doing research-based thesis projects, further enhancing procedural knowledge. Fellows also engage in teaching responsibilities, contributing to the education of residents and medical students, thereby strengthening their own educational skills.