Program Description
Our mission is to train the next generation of leaders in urogynecology & reconstructive pelvic surgery by empowering fellows to succeed in academic medicine through the following training and experience:
- Surgical expertise and clinical skills—Fellows will gain experience with a high volume of surgical cases including vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic routes. As the primary referral center for urogynecology in the Mountain West, fellows will manage a range of complex and less commonly encountered cases.
- Academic research—We aim to train the next generation of academic urogynecologists to conduct a wide variety of research that will have a sustained impact in our field. We offer dedicated research mentorship, protected time, and resources to support fellows in their pursuit of academic success. Unique to University of Utah is the Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network, the Utah Population Database (UPDB) as well as several other university-wide research institutes.
- Educational leadership—Fellows will lead educational activities for residents and medical students through didactic sessions and in clinical settings.
- Career-development opportunities—We are committed to developing the next generation of leaders in academic urogynecology by providing numerous opportunities for career development through completion of advanced degrees (MSCI), career development conferences and workshops, and attendance at national and international scientific meetings.
Our 3-year accredited fellowship provides 24 months of clinical training and 12 months of research experience.
Clinical Training
Fellows receive training in a variety of clinical settings and gain experience managing complex cases to ensure they have a robust foundation of clinical knowledge and skills. Training will focus on preparing fellows to be able to provide comprehensive surgical and non-surgical care for patients with a wide variety of pelvic floor disorders and to develop personalized treatment plans for their patients, including utilizing advanced imaging with 3D ultrasound and MRI.
- Clinical Experience: Fellows will gain extensive experience performing reconstructive pelvic surgery via vaginal, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted routes. Rotations with urology, pelvic floor physical therapy, gastroenterology, and colorectal surgery ensure fellows have clinical training that is well-rounded and encourages inter-disciplinary collaboration. Fellows are not required to cover obstetrical call but will participate in home call for gynecology.
- Utah Peripartum and Pelvic Floor Wellness After Delivery (UPWARD) Program: University of Utah's Division of Urologynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery started the first peripartum pelvic floor clinic in 2019. We offer subspecialty pelvic floor care for pregnant and postpartum women with pelvic floor symptoms ranging from urinary incontinence to rectovaginal fistulas. Our clinic is staffed in collaboration with pelvic floor physical therapists ensuring patients receive comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment to optimize treatments and recovery.
Rotation Schedule
Conferences
Fellows will participate in a number of different educational conferences and didactic sessions during their training in addition to departmental M&M and Grand Rounds. The fellow-specific conferences include:
- Fellow Didactic Lectures: Fellows will lead weekly urogynecology lectures where they discuss journal articles. They will discuss journal articles and book chapters to encourage critical thinking and support evidence-based clinical practice.
- Obstetrics & Gynecology Fellows Didactic: Quarterly lecture series will be held for all OB/GYN fellows to enhance their career and leadership development.
- Urogynecology Division Meeting: Weekly division meetings will include complex clinical case conference, journal club, research development, and experience managing various administrative and systems issues.
- Gynecology Quality Improvement Committee: Each fellow has the opportunity to be a representative on the GYN QI committee which meets quarterly to discuss surgical complications as well as opportunities for improvement of system processes.
Research Opportunities
Fellows have the opportunity, mentorship, and resources to pursue a wide variety of research.
- Masters of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI): Fellows are strongly encouraged to participate in the MSCI program which provides competencies in designing and implementing clinical and translational studies as well as training in biostatistics, bioinformatics, research leadership and community engagement. The program starts at the beginning of fellowship with a four-week summer research curriculum which develops critical skills for independent investigators and allows time for new fellows to settle into living in beautiful Salt Lake City.
- Pelvic Floor Research
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Research Network (OGRN)
- Research Institutes
- Utah Population Database
Fellowship Leadership
