What is the Complex Family Planning Fellowship?

The Fellowship is an ACGME-accredited, two-year fellowship for obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) residency graduates focused on subspecialist training in research, teaching, and clinical practice in complex abortion and contraception.

Why become a fellow?

Within their institutions, Fellows work at the intersection of clinical care, research, and medical education, bridging gaps by serving as brokers between these generally siloed fields.

Most graduated fellows hold academic positions in Ob-Gyn departments across the US and many hold leadership positions at national family planning organizations. Upon graduation, fellows are uniquely suited to establish new Ryan Residency Training Programs, a national initiative to integrate and enhance family planning training for Ob-Gyn residents. 

How to apply

The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) coordinates the Complex Family Planning Fellowship application process, including letters of recommendation. For guidance, review the application process FAQ.

The National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) facilitates the matching process.

Applicants outside of the US should consult the ACGME Program Requirements for Graduate Medical Education in Complex Family Planning prior to applying.

2024 Application timeline:

November 15, 2023: Applications open
December 6, 2023: Fellowship programs may begin reviewing applications at 6:00 a.m. PT/9 a.m. ET
May 6, 2024: The Society recommends all sites close their applications at 2:00 p.m. PT/5:00 p.m. ET
June 10, 2024: The Society recommends interview notifications begin.
July 10, 2024: The Society recommends interview notifications end.
Interviews: The Society recommends interviews occur July 11-19, July 25-August 12, August 19-28, 2024. Complex Family Planning Fellowship sites will be conducting virtual interviews this application cycle. The Society created a list of questions for applicant consideration before and during interviews.
September 11, 2024: Applicant rank lists must be submitted to the NRMP.
September 25, 2024: Applicants are notified of their match via email. If an applicant does not match, they are eligible to participate in a scramble with unmatched sites.
August 1, 2025: Fellows begin their first year of Fellowship. Learn more about delayed Fellowship start here.

Additional Support for Applicants

The Society has developed these guidelines to support applicants to write their personal statement.

In addition, the Society can match applicants with a Fellowship graduate to receive feedback on their application, get effective interview tips, and acquire insight to inform their rank list. The Society can also connect potential applicants to a current or graduated Fellow prior to applying.

Meet the Fellows

Jennifer Hsia, MD, MPH

Obstetrician-Gynecologist
Palo Alto Medical Foundation

“Due to the Fellowship, I am plugged into a close network through which we can share information, updates, and techniques quickly and effectively. This is key to providing the safest, most appropriate, and timely care, especially at a time when laws regulating access to care are in constant flux.”