The University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Hospital Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program is academically oriented, with formal conferences, chapter reviews, journal clubs, maternal/fetal case reviews and lectures, as well as informal rounds. One-third of the fellowship is devoted to clinical/basic science research. During the 3-year tenure, the fellow will complete all of the requirements of the ABOG Division of MFM.
Jackson Memorial Hospital serves more than 4,000 pregnant patients per year, with a combined service of private and clinic patients. There are two outpatient ultrasound areas, staffed with sonographers and genetic counselors. Fellows gain extensive experience in diagnosing and counseling families with fetal anomalies.
Yearly Summary of Rotations
Year 1 of the MFM fellowship is comprised of clinical experience with rotations in high risk outpatient clinics, ultrasound, in-patient high-risk obstetrics, SICU, and genetics as well as one month in research with specific opportunities to develop research questions and meet with faculty mentors. Year 2 is devoted to additional clinical experience in these areas as well as 8 months of dedicated research rotations. The third year is focused on both clinical and research with experiences individualized to the specific fellow needs to prepare for future endeavors.
Research
Fellows are exposed to basic science, translational, clinical and epidemiological research conducted by the MFM section. Dr. Michael Paidas, Department Chair, has 750 sq feet of laboratory space in the Batchelor Children’s Research Institute. Laboratory infrastructure supports human and small animal in vivo and in vitro studies relating to reproduction, maternal-fetal medicine, and disease states. The infrastructure enables studies involving cellular physiology, molecular biology, genetics, OMICs, and includes cell culture rooms, animal surgery room, -80 freezer, PCR machine, RNA and protein electrophoresis equipment, fluorescence microscope, and immunohistochemistry equipment. Dr. JoNell Potter, maintains a clinical database with 4,000+ perinatal HIV cases since 1989. Clinical trials are conducted at two dedicated, research sites. Fellows meet regularly with research faculty for guidance and to ensure research milestones are met. The Scholarly Activity Program provides research focused didactics and a structured research development program. The Clinical and Translational Science Institute provides comprehensive research-related services including biostatistics support/training modules, research writing assistance and quality assurance services.