#MedEd: Applying for MFM Fellowship

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Today we tackle a topic recent to us — application season. While it’s fresh in our heads, we’ll be interviewing folks from around OB-GYN to get their input on subspecialty applications, as well as job interviews for the OB-GYN generalist, so stay tuned!

Admittedly we come from an academic institution, so we try our best to generalize information to be relevant to all; however, keep in mind your exact environment/context while listening. And if you have your own tips to share, please write to us!

The highlights:

PGY I & II 

  1. Determine that you want to do MFM!

  2. Think about some research ideas, and get started if you can.

  3. Identify mentors - near or far.

  4. Go to SMFM! 

  5. Do well on your CREOGs!

PGY III

  1. Continue your research projects, talk about your interests with your mentors.

  2. Start identifying people that can write your letter of recommendation.

  3. Apply for the Quilligan Scholars Program (Due date: October 1) 

    1. Sponsored by the Foundation of Society of Maternal Fetal Medicine, this award identifies early leaders in MFM in third year residents. There are approximately 8 scholars a year. The Foundation pairs honorees with leaders in the field and sponsors you to go to SMFM annual meeting - an excellent opportunity!

  4. Middle of the year, around January: 

    1. Start looking into programs that you may be interested in applying to 

    2. Sit down with your mentors and come up with a list of how many programs to realistically apply to; try to get between 10-12 interviews.

    3. Identify with your mentors what you’re really looking for in your MFM career - do you want to be clinical? Be academic? Be a grant-funded researcher? Go into private practice? The field is huge and different, and there will be a right program for you!

Application Season: 

PGYIII, Feb/March: 

  1. Go to SMFM - maybe present if you can. Get a sense for the programs at the meeting. Additionally, you can use the SMFM website for resource to fine-tune your list.

  2. Write your application - get ready to go down memory lane with ERAS!

  3. Write your personal statement, and make it personal!

  4. Submit your applications by May 1 - this is really when programs start to actually look at applications. 

Interviews 

May-June: receive interviews and schedule interviews.

June - September: go on interviews. Things to know:

  1. Professional dress and appearance.

  2. It’s expensive - budget appropriately!

  3. Ask the fellows what their day-to-day schedule is like. Really know what you want and ask about it. Whether that’s the research, the job placements for fellows post-fellowship, or something that’s unique to you, programs should be able to give you a sense of whether they focus on your interests.

  4. Do they feel like your people? Sometimes it’s just a gut feel! 

Rank Lists 

  1. Be sure to reach out to those that you liked. Tell your #1 program that they’re your #1! 

  2. You can write thank you notes… or not. Some programs just won’t talk to you no matter what after the interview, and that’s OK.

  3. Ask your mentors to reach out for you, particularly at your top choice(s).