Didactics

Most teaching results from the close working relationship between the fellows and attendings. This is complimented by numerous didactic experiences. A variety of teaching conferences and seminars are held within the Division. These include divisional journal clubs, chapter reviews from standard textbooks with attendings, and a weekly reproductive endocrinology and infertility seminar series. An ongoing didactic series has been developed to cover the learning objectives outlined in The Guide to Learning in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility created by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Other conferences and seminars available to the trainee that may be attended include medical endocrine research discussion groups, medical endocrine grand rounds, pediatric endocrine grand rounds and obstetrics and gynecology grand rounds.

Courses

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology requires REI Fellowships to provide training in statistics, study design and epidemiology. Fellows have access to a number of graduate level courses to help them gain proficiency in these areas, as well as the Master of Science Program in Clinical and Translational Research. This program is designed to prepare health care professionals with the academic and research skills needed to be competitive for independent research. Graduate level courses in basic sciences, such as advanced molecular biology and genetics are also available as electives.

Conferences

Second and third year fellows attend the ASRM annual meeting each year. First and third year fellows attend the REI Fellows Retreat in Park City, Utah and the second year fellow attends the Annual NICHD Conference on Maternal-Fetal-Neonatal-Reproductive Medicine. Attendance at other regional and national meetings such as The Society for Reproductive Investigation (SRI), the American Society of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL), and the Pacific Coast Reproductive Society (PCRS) is encouraged and supported financially from Divisional funds.

Teaching Role

The fellow is actively involved in the training of medical students, and residents who rotate through the Division. The fellow is required periodically to give formal presentations to the residents on topics in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Additionally the fellow is expected to actively participate in the Division’s weekly seminar series, which includes journal clubs, case presentations/reviews and clinical/basic science presentations. Fellows are also involved in the education of their peers participating in the monthly REI fellow didactic series. Additional opportunities such as grand rounds presentations are available if desired. Development of the fellow’s teaching abilities is considered to be an important part of improving his or her ability to transmit knowledge to others as a consultant, teacher, and investigator.