The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center is a new program having accepted its first trainee in 2016. Our overall educational goal is to prepare trainees for successful careers in either academic medicine or clinical practice by providing a strong foundation in basic and clinical research as well as the skills necessary to practice state-of-the-art patient care in a rich and diverse clinical setting. Fellows completing this training program are expected to be proficient in the pathophysiology, evaluation, diagnosis, and management of the broad spectrum of reproductive endocrine disorders as well as specialized surgical techniques including experience with endoscopy, oocyte retrievals, embryo transfers, and surgical management of acquired and developmental abnormalities of the reproductive tract.
We recognize that a strong foundation in research design, practice, and interpretation is a critical component of fellowship training. As such, fellows receive formalized training in theoretical and practical aspects of both quantitative and qualitative research. Our curriculum is designed to allow consistent, measurable training in key aspects of research, including research design and implementation, data collection, statistical analysis, scientific and grant writing, and special cross-cultural issues, while providing each fellow the flexibility to explore their own research interests.
Our fellowship curriculum includes formal didactic coursework, research conferences, clinical conferences, and clinical rotations. The first half of Year 1 of our training program focuses on clinical training with emphases on mentored patient care, both inpatient and outpatient. The majority of time will be spent at OU Physicians Reproductive Medicine Clinic. Additional experience will be gained in both Adult and Pediatric Endocrinology. The second half of Year 1 and most of Years 2 of our training program focuses on research. All fellows are required to complete the Master of Science degree program in Clinical and Translational Science (MSCTS) during the 2nd and 3rd years of fellowship training. Year 3 will also focus on clinical care including assisted reproductive technology techniques and skills. Additional experience will be gained in genetics, male infertility, and time spent in the Andrology, endocrinology, and ART laboratories. Increasing responsibility is given to upper-level fellows so they continue to develop skills in diagnosis and management of reproductive endocrine diseases.