Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship
The Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship at McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University offers trainees extensive clinical and research experience within the field.
Our Program
Clinical Experience
The clinical fellows are involved in all aspects of the care of patients with gynecologic malignancies, including outpatient evaluation and follow-up, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as post-operative, intensive and palliative care. The clinical fellows are responsible for the care of all patients on the in-patient gynecologic oncology service and have a supervisory responsibility for the residents rotating on the Gynecologic Oncology service. In the operating room, the fellows are the co-surgeon for all cases, including radical and reconstructive operations, as well as procedures involving the intestine and urinary tract.
The primary site for clinical training is Northwestern Memorial/Prentice Women’s Hospital in downtown Chicago. Prentice Women’s Hospital offers the full spectrum of gynecologic oncology procedures, including routine use of laparoscopic and robotic approaches. The second-year gynecologic oncology fellow spends 11 months on the Gynecologic Oncology service, two weeks in the Surgical Intensive Care Unit and two weeks on the Palliative Care service. The third-year fellow also spends 10 months on the Gynecologic Oncology service, with one month spent in Radiation Oncology and Pathology, two weeks on Palliative Care, and two weeks on Colorectal Surgery service.
Research
Our fellows’ research experiences are diverse and flexible, ranging from laboratory to informatics to health services to various types of traditional clinical research/trials. Fellows are often involved in multiple projects spanning a variety of interests, methodologies and settings. All fellows undergo rigorous training to develop their research skills and academic interests. Fellows are mentored to design, obtain support for and carry out their own studies. Fellows also often direct the research efforts of others. Several research groups within the division and department offer significant investigative opportunities. Additional opportunities are available through the long-standing Northwestern Ovarian Cancer Early Detection and Prevention Program. The division also has a tissue bank of surgical specimens collected for research use. Fellows are encouraged to define and pursue their individual research interests among the opportunities and resources available at the institution and among our collaborators.
Some fellows may qualify for a fully funded Master of Science degree program in Health Services and Outcomes Research (HSOR) during their research year by completing a highly successful one-year executive-style degree program offered at Northwestern’s Chicago campus. The focus of HSOR program is to provide structured education and training in qualitative and quantitative methods, including the development of skills in clinical and biomedical informatics. The degree program also offers formal instruction and multidisciplinary mentorship in preparing manuscripts and writing grants.
Education
The research and clinical training for fellows is augmented by a comprehensive didactic program. Fellows organize and conduct the weekly Gynecologic Oncology Tumor Conference and monthly Journal Club, present monthly progress reports on research activities and attend the core curriculum lecture series. Fellows are encouraged and supported to attend and present at multiple national and international scientific meetings (SGO, AACR, ASCO). Cadaver labs are part of the routine educational program.
How to Apply
Application Information
We are accepting applications through ERAS for a fellowship position beginning 2026.
Common Dates
Monday, April 7, 2025: Fellowship Application Deadline
Monday, May 5, 2025: Invitations to interview sent to applicants.
The ERAS application should include the following supporting documents:
- Personal Statement
- Letter(s) of Recommendation (LoRs)
- USMLE Transcript
- COMLEX-USA Transcript (optional)
- Medical Student Performance Evaluation (MSPE or “Dean’s Letter”)
- Medical School Transcript
- Photo
- ECFMG Status Report (International Medical Graduates only)
If you have additional questions regarding the application season, please contact Dara Alynna Belarmino at daraalynna.belarmino@nm.org.
Why Northwestern?
Housestaff training through McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University provides diverse and challenging clinical experiences and world-class education located in the heart of the beautiful city of Chicago. Learn more via the links to the McGaw website below.
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