Curriculum

Research Curriculum

The first year of fellowship is devoted to 12 months of research at either Columbia University Medical Center or Weill-Cornell Medical College. Incoming fellows have the opportunity to meet with various faculty in both basic science and translational / clinical medicine to decide on a research experience that fits their interests and career goals. Fellows are enrolled in a one semester biostatistics and epidemiology course, titled “Biostatistical Data Analysis I," in which fellows learn theoretical aspects of statistical methodology and epidemiology and how to apply these methods. Fellows are also enrolled in “Principles and Concepts in Epidemiology," which strengthens and solidifies concepts acquired in the Biostatistics course.

The first-year fellow also participates in a six-week course devoted to clinical trial design, research methodology, and grantsmanship. The course is comprised of medical and pediatric oncology fellows, as well as gynecologic oncology trainees. Fellows develop grant proposals, which can consist of a clinical or translational trial, laboratory investigation, or population-based study. During the course, fellows receive group feedback during the development process. At the conclusion of the course, fellows submit their proposals for a young investigator award.

Fellows undertake clinical and translational investigations throughout the clinical years of fellowship. In conducting these studies, fellows work with their mentors to develop an analytic plan. Statistical resources are available at both Cornell and Columbia to assist the fellow with data analysis, but fellows maintain responsibility for all aspects of the analysis.  Ultimately many of these projects go on to be presented at national meetings and fellow forums.

Clinical Curriculum

From the first day of the second year, the fellow is in charge of the inpatient service. Initially, the fellow is first to assist all cases until such time that a senior resident assists the fellow. On average, this occurs three to four months into the second clinical year. The fellow is responsible for active supervision of the Gynecologic Oncology Clinic, evaluation of consults, and treatment planning.

During the first clinical year, the fellow spends 12 months on the gynecologic oncology service. During the second clinical year, the fellow will spend one month on the colorectal surgery service, and one month on the radiation oncology service. The remaining 10 months are spent on the gynecologic oncology service.

During the second half of the third year, the fellow is independently operating with the residents, with attending supervision.

Conferences and Didactic Sessions

Morbidity and Mortality Conference

Both campuses have a weekly Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conference, in which interesting cases from each service are presented by members of the house staff and are followed by lively and thoughtful discussion from faculty and other members of the department.

Grand Rounds

Weekly Grand Rounds follow the M&M Conference and feature presentations from within our faculty, as well as many distinguished visiting guest speakers. Each first-year fellow is also required to give one Grand Rounds presentation, and these talks are often the highlight of the morning session.

Fellow Lecture Series

A core Fellow Lecture Series supplements the experience gained on clinical rotations to round out the comprehensive post-graduate curriculum. Lectures occur once a week during protected time, and lecturers include the gynecologic oncology faculty, along with radiation and medical oncology faculty, and speakers from allied health services. A “Fellows’ Academy” supplements clinical learning with lectures covering the business of medicine, wellness, personal finance, etc., and is attended by the other fellows within the Obstetrics and Gynecology department at Columbia. This occurs quarterly, culminating in a Fellows’ Retreat in the Spring.

Tumor Board

Tumor Board is a fellow-run review and discussion of cases from the previous week. During Tumor Board, fellows and faculty discuss the work-up and management of both routine and challenging cases. When appropriate, members of other services specializing in sarcoma and melanoma may join and contribute. Ongoing trial eligibility is reviewed for each case.

Journal Club

A Gynecologic Oncology Journal Club is held quarterly with the presentation of an interesting paper by a fellow and a critical discussion and review of the topic led by a faculty member.