Maternal-fetal medicine fellowship

Maternal-fetal medicine
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The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship is committed to providing the best academic and clinical training program for our fellows. This three-year ACGME accredited program prepares our fellows for certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Corewell Health in West Michigan has the highest-volume obstetrical program in Michigan as reported in the 2022 World and News Report. Fellows learn in state-of-the-art facilities providing innovative obstetric care. Our teams lead in-utero procedures, accrete specialized surgery, advanced ultrasound technology, ICU cardiac/intensivist level obstetric services and University based research with statistical and academic guidance. Our physicians and clinical teams are experienced in blending individualized patient plans with a complete dedication to quality outcomes.

Ranked among the top in the nation for obstetrics and gynecology

Best Hospitals Honor Roll

From the Program Director

Welcome to the Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship!

We have the highest delivering hospital in the state of Michigan and the sixth largest in the country. Our team is unique and adored. The front office staff, medical assistants, prenatal genetics team, nurses, sonographers, nutritionists, APP’s and physicians all work together and support each other as a family.

Support is one word I would use to describe our team here at our Maternal-Fetal Medicine practice in Grand Rapids. We support each other’s research, patient care plans and we learn from each other every day. We share literature and bring new ideas to the table as we instruct evidenced-based medicine to nearly 80 residents throughout the region. We also support our referring obstetric teams through the state of Michigan. We are humbled by the task and honored by the responsibility.

We want our fellows to feel ‘at home’ for their three years of training. A subspecialty program requires long hours and quite a bit of self-study to obtain the level of proficiency required to assess, treat and manage the complexities of the high-risk obstetric patient. The family environment that we have created here at Corewell Health in West Michigan supports the learner in a positive space allowing personal, relational, and independent growth.

If you are interested, read on to learn about our academic program:

Corewell Health in West Michigan provides incredible patient volume, pathology, teaching faculty and support staff creating an ideal learning environment for a comprehensive training program. Our trainees will be exposed to maternal complications of pregnancy, obstetric anomalies, research, fetal diagnosis and therapy, genetics, and translational science with a compassionate and humanistic approach. Fellows are trained to assess and treat the maternal and fetal effects of these disorders and manage pregnancies complicated by primary fetal conditions and primary maternal conditions, including complex maternal cardiac disease and placenta accreta spectrum. They will learn fetal echocardiography, critical care obstetrics, obstetric anesthesia, infectious disease, advanced obstetric diabetic care, epidemiology, and biostatistics.

Fellows learn high‐risk pregnancy management through a wide range of conferences, didactic lectures and hands-on experience. Our Fetal Care Center team consists of a large cohort of subspecialists and fellows who interact daily with our maternal-fetal medicine faculty, prenatal genetic counselors, neonatologists, pathologists, anesthesiologists, and pediatric subspecialty groups through Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals). Additionally, fellows obtain significant hands‐on experience and the opportunity to make independent decisions, in outpatient and inpatient settings, under the guidance of faculty. Fellows will be fully trained in advanced ultrasound skills and intrauterine procedures.

We look forward to sharing our pride in our program. We are dedicated to the education of Maternal-Fetal Medicine subspecialists that are eager to learn and are excited to join our team.

Warmly,

Lisa Thiel, DO, FACOOG
Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship Program Director, Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/Michigan State University
Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Corewell Health
Clinical Assistant Professor Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine
Former Lieutenant Commander; Veteran US Navy

Overview

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Thank you for considering Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Maternal-Fetal Medicine Fellowship program. Our passion is teaching and the entire program is designed with the fellow in mind. Fellows will train at the largest medical center in West Michigan, which is affiliated with Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Fellows in our program will have the opportunity to pursue passions in clinical and academic advanced obstetrics and maternal care.

Additionally, research opportunities are available with exposure to innovative clinical and translational research studies on a national level. Corewell Health in West Michigan is a nationally recognized health care center, with high clinical volume that utilize innovative surgical procedures and advanced techniques, reassuring patients they are receiving the best clinical care possible from some of the most experienced and skilled physicians in the world.

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We provide a dynamic conference series focusing on the educational needs of fellows, attending physicians, residents, medical students, and team members. Fellows can also take part in quality improvement programs, internal and external lecture series with international experts, journal clubs, along with participating in and leading educational conferences.

Education

Education wall
Program aims
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  • Ability to perform routine operations, common to maternal-fetal medicine independently
  • Have the experience to perform more complex consults, in utero procedures and high-risk transfers from regions and neighboring states to Michigan.
  • Competent and comfortable managing patients in all phases of care.
  • Continue to develop professionalism and leadership at the local and national level.
  • Extensive research with dedicated research year and multiple journal preparations in addition to thesis goals. Fellows are expected to conduct independent hypothesis-based research under a mentor’s supervision. A first author, hypothesis-based, written research manuscript is required before graduation. The thesis must be defended to a thesis committee in preparation for the maternal-fetal medicine oral board exam.
Clinical environment
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Corewell Health in West Michigan offers a wide breadth of obstetric, advanced intrauterine surgery, critical care medicine, surgical services and infectious disease training through our maternal-fetal medicine program. Fellows are surrounded by an academic environment including residents and medical students. The approach to patient care is often through multidisciplinary, collaborative team approach. Biweekly fetal care center meetings allow our clinicians to come together to formalize individual treatment plans for complex fetal anomaly cases. We have a dedicated obstetric tower including two delivery units, an antepartum unit, private triage suites and large generalist teams dedicated to inpatient care. Our midwife, doula, nurse practitioner, nurse leadership and administrative leadership all work together with our physician teams to create a delivery space that is patient focused and baby focused. We believe this improves our pediatric cardiothoracic, neurosurgical, and neonatal outcomes and helps maintain our U.S. News and World Report ratings through Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children's Hospital (part of Corewell Health Grand Rapids Hospitals).

Curriculum
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The curriculum of the maternal-fetal medicine program is designed to meet the goals delineated by the ACGME and prepares fellows for certification by the ABOG and AOBOG. The 39 blocks (13 blocks per year) of core curriculum gives exposure to the essential rotations and offers opportunities for electives during the three-year course work.

Fellows are assigned to continuity clinic at least one-half day per week during each block. Clinic experience includes hands-on ultrasound training (transabdominal, transvaginal, 3d/4d, fetal echo), consultation services, preconception care, outpatient procedures to include chorionic villus sampling and amniocentesis, as well as extensive training in genetics/genomics. The second year of the program is focused on research and thesis construction. The ACGME required rotations of NICU, SICU and infectious disease are scheduled between the 1st and 2nd year. The third year focuses on advanced ultrasound skills and fetal echocardiography, electives, fetal diagnosis and therapy rotation and thesis presentation planning. Manuscripts are finalized and submitted as well.

Didactics
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We are dedicated to the academic process and hands-on training of fellows. Our faculty constructed a comprehensive lecture series addressing complex concepts, evidence-based management of high-level obstetrical care, surgery, diagnosis, ultrasound, MRI/CT and hands-on training. We participate in cardio-obstetrics, placenta accreta spectrum, M&M, journal clubs, monthly fetal board and bi-weekly fetal care center team meetings. In addition, there are opportunities throughout the year to attend conferences.

Research
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Clinical research is a part of our key strategic vision at Corewell Health in West Michigan. We have an active research portfolio that focuses on investigator-initiated studies. We work in collaboration with numerous institutions including Van Andel Institute and Michigan State University College of Human Medicine.

Simulation: Advanced obstetric ultrasound and intrauterine techniques
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Corewell Health in West Michigan opened a cutting-edge, state-of-the-art simulation center across campus. The simulation center trains and educates physician leaders and staff by utilizing innovative simulation, applied experiential learning, and hands-on technology to improve patient safety and outcomes. By providing medical education in a supportive, controlled environment, clinicians master key competencies and skills with zero risk to patients. The Doug Meijer Medical Innovations Building features:

  • 25,000 square-feet of state-of-the-art simulation
  • Offers various courses and skills training
  • High fidelity infant, child and adult simulators
Simulation center

Application requirements

All applications need to be submitted through the Electronic Residency Application Service. Please be advised of the following:

  • Applicants must have completed an ACGME-accredited residency program
  • All applicants must possess U.S. work authorization or be eligible for J-1 status
  • For more information on our program, contact Alexis Kichak, program coordinator

The ERAS application should include:

  • Electronic application
  • Picture
  • Transcript
  • MSPE
  • Three letters of support (department chair, residency program director, and the faculty member of your choice)
  • Personal statement
  • COMLEX or USMLE transcript
  • ECFMC as applicable

For more information on the ERAS timeline please visit: ERAS® Tools and Worksheets for Fellowship Applicants | Students & Residents (aamc.org). Corewell Health - Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Maternal Fetal Medicine Fellowship, will be conducting interviews during July and August.

Salary and benefits

Corewell Health in West Michigan provides a comprehensive and very competitive benefits package for our residents, staff and their families. In addition, our program provides educational monies to support your ongoing education. Download our salary and benefits document to learn more.

Explore West Michigan

View of Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan
Food, entertainment and shopping
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Food: Release your inner foodie exploring one of the top food cities in the US.

Entertainment: From zoos and museums to festivals and art, there is a new experience around every corner.

Shopping: West Michigan has a diverse assortment of shops for everyone.

Outdoors and Sustainability
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Outdoors: With trails, lakes and more, there is so much of West Michigan to explore.

Sustainability: Located along the shore of Lake Michigan, West Michigan has many initiatives to protect our natural resources.

Resources
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Identities matter and so do you! Our residency and fellowship programs offer social activities, wellness programs and a diversity council to foster respect, personal health and community.

Program Director

Lisa Thiel D.O.
Lisa Thiel, DO

Obstetrician and Gynecologist

  • Specialty: Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Fellowship: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Residency: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Lisa Thiel D.O.
Lisa Thiel, DO

Obstetrician and Gynecologist

  • Specialty: Maternal-Fetal Medicine
  • Fellowship: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
  • Residency: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Core faculty

Female silhouette
Laurie Chalifoux, MD

Anesthesiologist

  • Specialty: Obstetric Anesthesiology
  • Fellowship: Northwestern University
  • Residency: Northwestern University
David Colombo M.D.
David Colombo, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: The Ohio State University
  • Residency: University of Chicago
Marcos Cordoba, MD
Marcos Cordoba, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: New York University
  • Residency: Wayne State University
Erin Fricke, MD
Erin Fricke, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship – University of Iowa
  • Residency – Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University
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Laurie Chalifoux, MD

Anesthesiologist

  • Specialty: Obstetric Anesthesiology
  • Fellowship: Northwestern University
  • Residency: Northwestern University
David Colombo M.D.
David Colombo, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: The Ohio State University
  • Residency: University of Chicago
Marcos Cordoba, MD
Marcos Cordoba, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: New York University
  • Residency: Wayne State University
Erin Fricke, MD
Erin Fricke, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship – University of Iowa
  • Residency – Grand Rapids Medical Education Partners/Michigan State University
Eryn Hart-Dutta, DO
Eryn Hart, DO

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: University of Texas Medical Branch
  • Residency: Sparrow Hospital/MSU
Sihong Huang, MD
Sihong Huang, MD

Pediatric Cardiologist

  • Fellowship:
    • Duke University (Pediatric Cardiology)
    • Duke University (Advanced Cardiac Imaging/Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
    • University of Maryland (Adult Congenital Heart Disease)
  • Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital
Vivian Carolina Romero, MD
Vivian Carolina Romero, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: University of Michigan
  • Residency: Wayne State University
Laurie H. Seaver, MD
Laurie H. Seaver, MD

Medical Geneticist

  • Fellowship: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson
  • Residency: University of Arizona College of Medicine-Tucson
Heather Sowinski, DO
Heather Sowinski, DO

Pediatric Cardiologist

  • Fellowship: Wayne State University
  • Residency: Wayne State University
Michael Tsimis, MD
Michael Tsimis, MD

Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist

  • Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University
  • Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

Class of 2026

Alexa Marquez, DO
Alexa Marquez, DO

Obstetrics & Gynecology: Ascension Genesys

Alexa Marquez, DO
Alexa Marquez, DO

Obstetrics & Gynecology: Ascension Genesys

Ready to Apply?

We participate in the National Resident Matching Program and use the Electronic Residency Application Service.