Education

A favorable education to service ratio is top priority. Our fellows have protected time for all educational activities. 

We have a highly structured didactic schedule that emphasizes faculty participation and highlights several guest speakers annually. 

Clinical Exposure

We offer well-rounded clinical and procedural training. Our fellows are trained to perform:

• Amniocentesis
• Cerclage (including abdominal cerclage)
• Percutaneous umbilical cord sampling / intrauterine transfusion (IUT)
• Cesarean hysterectomy

Because of our unique patient population, we have a high volume of IUTs and cesarean hysterectomies relative to other centers. We have a successful simulation curriculum, led by Drs. Eller and Richards, that facilitates procedural knowledge and competency. Our fellows also gain experience in breech extraction of the second twin and operative vaginal delivery (vacuum and forceps).

We focus on hands-on ultrasound training and have ultrasound and genetic case conferences moderated by experts. As a referral center for the Intermountain West, our fellows are exposed to a high volume of fetal anomalies and fetal/maternal genetic disorders.

Our fellows function as independent obstetricians for activities that are within the scope of a general OB/GYN. Our fellows are not ‘PGY-5’ students; rather, they enjoy well-deserved autonomy in procedures and patient management that they have already mastered.

Fellows have direct supervision for MFM consultations, management, and procedures. 

Critical Care

We address the critical care rotation requirement with a one-month rotation in the Shock-Trauma ICU at Intermountain Medical Center during the first year of fellowship. Our fellows are an active part of the ICU team (acting as residents) and take call with the ICU team. 

Fellows have no MFM obligations during this rotation. Our fellows become familiar with the principles of critical care and are able to apply these skills and knowledge to the obstetric population. 

Genetics

Our fellows have two month-long genetics rotations during their first year. These rotations include participation in genetics clinic and case conference, neonatal genetic consultations and autopsies, exposure to genetic counseling, and first hand observation of relevant laboratory assays.

Cardiology: Fetal and Maternal Congenital Cardiac Disease

During the third year of fellowship, our fellows complete a one-month pediatric cardiology rotation at Primary Children’s Medical Center. 

This rotation provides additional training in sonographic evaluation of the fetal heart. It also improves diagnostic skills for fetal congenital cardiac disorders and gives fellows knowledge and competence in the obstetric care of women with congenital heart disease.

Continuity Experience

Fellows jointly staff two high-risk clinics at the University of Utah and South Main Public Health Clinic in their first two years.

Customizing Our Curriculum to Meet Fellows’ Needs

We work with our fellows to customize their educational curriculum and meet their unique needs through both internal and external rotations, in the US and abroad. 

If you have a particular area of interest that is not covered in-depth by our current curriculum, talk with us about ways we might be able to tailor your educational experience.

Career Development

We are committed to providing the very best educational experience for our fellows. This includes protected time and financial support for:

• Completion of advanced research degrees (MSCI, MPH)
• Educational and career development conferences and workshops
• Attendance at educational sessions at scientific meetings (SMFM, SGI)
• participation in statistics/epidemiology, research administration, and grant writing courses
• Core textbooks
• OB/GYN Oral Board Exam
• Research