The first year of the program is an opportunity for our trainees to develop their research skills and academic interests. Prior to starting the program, the trainee will meet with program faculty to establish a mentor and project.  The project must lead to the completion of a thesis suitable for subspecialty board certification. The thesis will be approved by an appointed thesis committee, and a formal defense of the thesis project will be carried out before the completion of training. Fellows are also encouraged to submit research for presentation at regional or national meetings. The thesis project may be laboratory-based basic or translational science, non-laboratory-based epidemiology or outcomes research, or a clinical trial. Statistical support and a dedicated statistics curriculum are also available to fellows.

The first-year fellow participates in tumor board and a limited call schedule (weekend call approximately one weekend per month), but is not assigned any other clinical responsibilities.

Fellows actively participate in all aspects of inpatient and outpatient care of patients with known or suspected gynecologic cancer, including evaluation, treatment planning, surgical management, and follow-up. All clinical activities take place at the University of Michigan Hospital and associated outpatient clinics. Our fellows are responsible for the management of the inpatient gynecologic oncology service, as appropriate for the individual fellow’s level of training and experience. Faculty supervision is available to the fellows at all times. In addition, fellows participate in a dedicated chemotherapy clinic and develop longitudinal patient relationships while building a strong knowledge base.

Our fellows gain experience in a wide variety of surgical procedures, including bowel and urologic procedures, in addition to gynecologic procedures. Fellows gain proficiency in both traditional laparoscopy and robotic surgery.

Fellows also have the opportunity to take up to three electives during years 2-3.

In addition to research training, our fellows participate in weekly didactics and regular conferences to ensure that they are up to date on the most current research and literature on important topics in gynecologic oncology.

Gynecologic Oncology Didactics: Our fellows participate in weekly gynecologic oncology didactic sessions.  These cover a range of subjects, from core gynecologic oncology topics, discussion and review of surgical techniques, journal clubs, and dedicated discussions of surgical and chemotherapy complications. In addition, trainees will have four didactic lectures per year by a gynecologic pathologist, as well as lectures from other specialists involved in the care of gynecologic oncology patients, including radiation oncology, pharmacy, and palliative care. The fellows have protected time to attend these lectures. The fellows also participate in a twice-yearly oral inservice exam.

Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Board: Fellows play an important role in the weekly gynecologic oncology tumor board, a multidisciplinary conference with participation by radiology, gynecologic pathology, and radiation oncology. All postoperative patients, as well as patients who require a new treatment strategy because of a change in disease status, are discussed, along with a comprehensive imaging and pathology review. Following a review of the pertinent pathology, the fellow proposes a management plan with a review of the current literature and an assessment of protocol eligibility.

Gynecologic Oncology Preoperative Conference: Residents rotating on the gynecologic oncology service run this weekly conference. Fellows assist in the perioperative evaluation and preparation of patients who are scheduled to undergo surgery on the gynecologic oncology service, to optimize surgical outcomes and limit complications.

Gynecologic Oncology Research Meeting: Our fellows participate in monthly division research meetings, along with faculty, residents, and advanced practice providers. All fellows provide regular updates on their research projects to ensure that deadlines are met in a timely manner. In addition, this meeting is an opportunity to generate new research ideas, review abstract submissions, posters, and oral presentations for upcoming meetings, and connect with potential mentors and mentees.