Complex Benign Gynecology

The ChristianaCare Fellowship in Complex Benign Gynecology is a 2-year program set in a high-acuity, community-based academic tertiary care center in Newark, Delaware. Our CBG fellowship aims to provide comprehensive clinical, surgical, and academic training for future leaders in our field.

The CBG Fellow works closely with fellowship trained surgical subspecialists in Complex Benign Gynecology, Urogynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, Colorectal Surgery, and other fields to expand their knowledge and expertise in treating complex benign gynecologic conditions, especially those with surgical management. Patient care occurs in the operating room, inpatient, and ambulatory settings to develop a well-rounded knowledge of disease management, preoperative planning, minimally invasive gynecologic procedures, and post-intervention care.

In the first year, fellows will rotate with GBG faculty to gain experience in laparoscopy, robotic surgery, hysteroscopy, and in-office procedures. In the second year, fellows may participate in subspecialty off-service surgical rotations. They also experience graduated autonomy by conducting their own CBG Fellows Clinic in which they will book their own OR cases. They will also serve as Gyn Attending to the residents through staffing consults, managing inpatients, and operating as needed.

Dedicated research time is allotted weekly so that the fellow may meet the requirement to submit a manuscript for publication in both years. Research is supported by mentorship through our CBG Division and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Successful completion of a statistical course is also required. There is an option to complete a Master’s in Clinical Research for interested and motivated fellows.

Fellows actively participate in the education of residents, students, and colleagues in the OR, office, and simulation lab. During monthly didactic sessions, fellows and faculty will review current literature impacting the field of CBG and enhance their clinical and surgical knowledge both with a guest lecture series and radiology conference. Fellows contribute to resident learning by providing formal didactic sessions and informally in the operating room. Fellows complete an institutional robotic simulation curriculum and assist in simulation training for residents and students including EMIGS training, robotics, and cadaver labs.

Financial support for the fellowship comes from departmental and institutional stipends as well as earned salary through OB/GYN Emergency Department shifts and CBG Fellow Clinic and Gyn Attending shifts. Malpractice, health, dental, and disability insurances are provided by the institution. Fellows receive an annual stipend for travel and fellowship-related conferences.