Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship

In accordance with Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education guidelines, our program is designed to equip fellows with comprehensive clinical, research and academic principles. Through a curriculum grounded in evidence-based practices, ethical considerations and compassionate care, our fellows will graduate with the skills necessary to navigate the complex landscape of Maternal Fetal Medicine.

To provide fellows with a comprehensive and diverse clinical experience, encompassing the management of obstetrical, medical, and surgical complications in pregnancy, fostering the development of advanced clinical skills and expertise. Fellows will complete all of their required training experiences within our two primary affiliated health systems, Valleywise Health and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center. Valleywise Health has a proud tradition of being both the community safety net health care system, with a mission and commitment to serving the underserved and Arizona’s only public teaching hospital. St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center is a nationally recognized center for quality tertiary care, medical education and research.

To cultivate a culture of research and scholarly activity among fellows, encouraging them to engage in impactful research projects that contribute to the body of knowledge in Maternal Fetal Medicine. Fellows will have access to multiple research mentors throughout the course of their fellowship. These mentors, in conjunction with scheduled didactics, will facilitate professional growth and development in grant writing, statistics, manuscript preparation and thesis defense.

To employ innovative educational methods, including case-based learning, simulation, and interprofessional collaboration, ensuring fellows develop critical thinking skills, effective communication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Our program will place a strong emphasis on weekly MFM fellow-specific conferences and case review opportunities, ensuring comprehensive education and skill development for the care of at-risk mothers.
 

To nurture future leaders in Maternal Fetal Medicine by providing opportunities for mentorship, networking, and leadership training. Fellows will be empowered to take on leadership roles in clinical practice, academia, and professional organizations. Fellows will have protected administrative time to grow in their development.

To instill a patient-centered approach in our fellows, emphasizing compassionate, culturally sensitive care. Fellows will develop the ability to integrate the unique needs and values of patients into their clinical decision-making. One impactful learning activity for fellows to develop a commitment to carrying out professional responsibilities and adhering to ethical principles will be "Ethical Case-Based Discussions." In this activity, fellows will engage in regular sessions where they will analyze and discuss complex, real-life patient cases that will present ethical dilemmas.

To foster a sense of social responsibility and community engagement among fellows. This includes outreach programs, education initiatives, and partnerships with community organizations to address healthcare disparities and improve maternal and fetal outcomes in the broader community. Fellows will actively participate in the St. Joseph's Maternity Outreach Mobile Unit (MOMobile). This fully equipped vehicle delivers essential maternity care, offering early and continuous prenatal services to women in various Arizona communities. Additionally, at Valleywise Health, fellows will be involved with the Women’s Refugee Services clinic, which will fully support refugee communities and their resettlement, offering these birthing persons the care they deserve, the way they deserve it.

Through experiences at Valleywise Health and Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, fellows manage a wide array of maternal and fetal conditions, from complex pregnancies to advanced fetal therapies and maternal comorbidities. Our program also features faculty with a prominent hospital and procedural presence, performing advanced procedures such as PUBS, CVS, diagnostic testing and ultrasound-based interventions. We are also a recognized accreta center, providing comprehensive care for these high-risk conditions.

Research is a fundamental part of our fellowship, and fellows are required to complete both a research project and a quality improvement (QI) initiative. These projects are designed to model real-world expectations of maternal-fetal medicine specialists, who often bring clinical research to the bedside and translate findings into medical practice.

Our fellowship promotes teamwork by integrating various specialties such as neonatology, genetic counseling and anesthesiology into daily practice. Additionally, we offer cutting-edge simulation training to enhance procedural skills and emergency preparedness. 
 

We value the voices and lived experiences of both faculty and fellows within our department and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, in which diverse perspectives are heard and respected. Our program emphasizes collaborative learning and values the contributions of all members of our team.

We prioritize wellness and work-life balance throughout fellowship training. With dedicated mentorship, wellness initiatives and personal time off, we ensure that our fellows are supported as they grow both professionally and personally.

Our program offers an unparalleled opportunity to develop as a leader in Maternal Fetal Medicine while making a tangible impact on healthcare. We are passionate about preparing our fellows to meet the challenges of high-risk obstetrics with skill, empathy and a commitment to health equity.

We invite you to explore the exceptional opportunities our fellowship provides and look forward to welcoming you into the next generation of leaders in Maternal Fetal Medicine.