Research Opportunities

Our fellowship provides rich clinical research opportunities.

Publications

Fellows are expected to complete their training with five to 10 publications.

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN) and the University’s Family Planning Research Group (FPRG) create a departmental commitment to a research agenda that prioritizes family planning research and maximizes opportunities for family planning fellows.

Faculty & Staff Support for Fellows

The 40 administrators and staff of the OGRN provide support for all aspects of research planning and execution from grant submission to IRB submission, clinical trial enrollment, and analysis.

The group leaders are Drs. David Turok and Patricia Murphy, an endowed chair in women’s and reproductive health at the College of Nursing.

Fellows play an integral part in group activities contributing to all aspects of current projects. This allows fellows the opportunity to maximize their exposure to all aspects of research while directing their own research projects.

In addition, fellows consistently work with the Family Planning Research Director Jessica Sanders, MPH. This relationship allows fellows day-to-day mentoring for all research endeavors.

Funding

The University of Utah Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology receives considerable NIH research support, ranking 6th among US obstetrics and gynecology departments in NIH research funding. The department is a member of seven NIH multi-center clinical trials networks, including the Contraceptive Clinical Trials Network.

The NIH, private foundations, and the pharmaceutical industry fund family planning research. The department limits industry sponsors to non-profit corporations and projects that focus on increasing access to highly effective methods of contraception.

In addition, the department is an NIH-designated Center of Excellence in Women’s Health Care. The department has an active research program in novel drug discovery and has productive university-wide collaborations. The FPRG also has numerous collaborations with other fellowship sites.