Family Medicine Surgical Obstetrics Fellowship

Family Medicine Surgical Obstetrics Fellowship

The UAMS Family Medicine Surgical Obstetrics Fellowship in El Dorado is a one-year advanced training program designed to expand the clinical capacity of family medicine physicians serving rural Arkansas. This fellowship addresses a critical workforce need by equipping participants with surgical skills, obstetric expertise, and leadership experience essential for delivering high-quality, independent maternity care in underserved communities.

Program Mission

Our mission is to recruit, train, and retain family medicine physicians who are committed to practicing comprehensive care in rural Arkansas. Fellows are equipped to provide independent, patient-centered care across all stages of life, with a particular emphasis on obstetrics and women’s health.

Learning Objectives

Fellows will:

• Develop a broad and evolving knowledge base in obstetrics and gynecology
• Apply evidence-based approaches to clinical decision-making
• Gain proficiency in surgical obstetrics and management of high-risk pregnancies
• Engage in structured study, journal reviews, and hands-on simulations
• Cultivate leadership and teaching skills through collaboration and mentorship

Curriculum Highlights

The fellowship curriculum is designed to be immersive, hands-on, and tailored to rural practice needs. Key components include:

• Advanced Surgical Obstetric Training
• Gynecologic Procedures
• Didactic Learning Series
• Simulation- Based Labs
• Outpatient Continuity Clinics

Roles and Responsibilities

Fellows are integral members of the care team and are expected to:

• Provide antepartum, intrapartum, and postpartum care
• Perform and assist in obstetric procedures including cesarean sections and operative vaginal deliveries
• Participate in outpatient clinics, quality improvement projects, and didactic sessions
• Supervise and teach residents and medical students
• Maintain detailed documentation and communicate effectively with attending faculty
• Demonstrate professionalism, compassion, and a commitment to lifelong learning

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet these qualifications:

• Must hold an MD or DO degree
• Complete an accredited family medicine residency program
• Applicants may apply while completing their final year of residency
• Board eligible or board certified
• Able to obtain an Arkansas medical license
• Applicants must be a US citizen or lawful permanent US resident with resident alien permit or green card. This fellowship does not sponsor J-1 or other visas.

Application Process

Please submit the following to jward2@uams.edu:

• A curriculum vitae which includes:
  • Educational background from undergraduate training onward
  • Specialty certifications and activities
  • Licensure information
  • Employment history and military service
  • Honors and awards
  • Community service and volunteer work
  • Publications
  • Presentations
  • Hobbies, interests (optional)

• Obstetrical procedural log. We know applicants come in with a variety of experiences. Please enter your procedural experience at the time of submitting this application. If none, please list 0 or N/A.
  • Vaginal Deliveries
  • C-Sections
  • Vacuum assisted deliveries
  • 3^rd degree perineal laceration repair
  • 4^th degree perineal laceration repair
  • IUD Placement/Removal
  • Endometrial Biopsies
  • Dilatation & Curettage
  • Prenatal Ultrasound
  • Colposcopy
  • Applicants may also include upcoming rotations, electives, or professional development that may prepare them for fellowship
• Personal Statement. Please include details regarding how a Rural FMOB fellowship would help you with your career goals and plans for rural practice
• Three letters of recommendation, including one from your current program director (or current supervisor if in practice). Please have the authors, or a third party such as a program coordinator, send the letters directly to the fellowship coordinator,jward2@uams.edu. 
• Preference will be given to those who will commit to continuing their careers with UAMS as faculty and/or practicing in a rural area.

Applications now Being Accepted

We are now accepting applications and are actively seeking residents who are interested in advanced training in surgical obstetrics and rural maternity care. Please email Fellowship Coordinator, Janie Ward, jward2@uams.edu, for additional details or questions. Applications are reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis, with a final decision and offer to be made by December 31, 2025.