The first 14 months will be devoted to clinical activities in our clinical office and operating rooms. Initially, the fellow will concentrate on assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs). During this time the fellow becomes acquainted with proper evaluation of the infertile couple, techniques of ovulation induction, superovulation, oocyte retrieval, in vitro fertilization, and embryo transfer.   During these months the fellow will gain experience in surgical management of reproductive endocrinology and infertility patients including advanced endoscopy and hysteroscopy. The fellow will also spend time rotating through the medical endocrinology clinic, the osteoporosis center and the male urology clinic.  Additionally, during these 14 months, the fellow will participate in the REI fellow’s clinic at UConn Health one ½ day per month seeing patients with problems in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility referred to by some University providers.  This clinic is run independently by the REI fellows with supervision being provided by one of the REI faculty members.

The next 18 months are protected research time.  During this time the PGY 6 fellow will also be exposed to the genetics consultation service.  Following this, in the last 4 months of the fellowship, the fellow will again spend time on the clinical service. The clinical experience during the third year of the training program differs from the first 14 months primarily in emphasis and degree of medical complexity. During the first year, patients are seen under direct supervision, while in the third year they are seen much more independently. The third year of training in the operating room is spent mastering more complex and delicate procedures, as well as refreshing basic skills in the IVF operating room.  During the last four months of the fellowship, the senior fellow spends additional time taking advantage of clinical opportunities that lie outside the Division including pediatric endocrine, and additional exposure to medical endocrinology and urology. Additionally, the senior fellow will spend time in the REI Division’s andrology, endocrinology, and embryology laboratories.  The curriculum allows hands-on exposure to micromanipulation techniques, vitrification, and a variety of laboratory procedures.