Specialties & ConditionsThe Chicago Institute for Fetal Health Fetal Surgery Fellowship
Fetal Surgery Fellowship
The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health offers a one-year training program in fetal surgery. The goal of the program is for trainees to gain knowledge and expertise in fetal diagnosis, therapy and surgery. Fellows will be involved in the evaluation and management of pregnant women with fetal complications and will participate in complex surgeries utilizing cutting-edge technologies and techniques. Fellows will complete a research project in some aspect of prenatal diagnosis, fetal treatment or fetal surgery.
About The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health
The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health is one of only a few comprehensive fetal centers in the country. The institute is able to offer pre-birth counseling and care, as well as corrective fetal intervention if needed, including both twin to twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) laser treatments and spina bifida (myelomeningocele – MMC) repair in utero, among others. Drawing upon the extensive expertise of faculty from fetal and neonatal cardiology, fetal surgery, maternal-fetal medicine, and more than 20 other adult and pediatric medical and surgical subspecialties, our experts develop personalized treatment plans with pregnant women and families based on each individual prenatal diagnosis. We have a long history of working closely with regional obstetricians and MFM specialists to assure the best care for newborns. Our team of experts develop personalized treatment plans with pregnant women and families based on each individual prenatal diagnosis. Our specialists perform more than 1,800 consultations each year for all types of fetal disorders, rare and common, with expectant parents from around the country.
Training occurs at Lurie Children's and Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital. The program is led by Dr. Aimen Shaaban, Director of The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health. The multidisciplinary team includes specialists in Pediatric Surgery, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, Neonatology, Neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, Neurology, Plastics, Urology, Radiology and Genetics.
During the course of the training year, fellows will participate in a variety of clinical and surgical components, including:
- Prenatal Counseling
- Postnatal Management
- Fetal Imaging: Fetal MRI, Fetal Echocardiography, Ultrasound
- Open fetal surgery
- Diagnostic and operative fetoscopy
- Fetal shunt placement
- Intrauterine transfusion
- Radiofrequency ablation
- EXIT procedures
Eligible candidates will have completed five years of residency in general surgery or be eligible for application to a pediatric surgical training program, or have completed a pediatric surgery fellowship.
International Medical Graduates (IMGs)
All international medical graduates must be certified by ECFMG before starting their fellowship training. Please refer to www.ecfmg.org for information about eligibility for the examination, fees, application, scheduling, and preparation. Candidates must submit documentation with an English translation. Photocopies of all examination results, letter/score results, and visa/citizenship papers must bear official seals and include dates and certificate numbers. If the applicant possesses a current visa, the status must include entry and expiration dates. IMGs must possess an ECFMG certificate before applying for a permanent medical license. McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University sponsors H1-B and J-1 Visas.
Interested and qualified candidates should email the following documents to Chen Cheng:
- Completed GME application form
- Curriculum vitae
- Three letters of recommendation (one of which should be from your current division chief or residency or fellowship program director)
- A personal statement describing career goals and interest in fetal surgery
- USMLE steps 1, 2 and 3
If you would like more information about The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health or have questions about the fellowship program or application process, please contact Chen Cheng, Executive Director, at cwcheng@luriechildrens.org or 312.227.3197.