International Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine and Immunology

Joanne Kwak-Kim, MD, MPH

Director

Rotation Sites

Position Summary

Reproductive Medicine and Immunology International Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Sciences Department, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Sciences is dedicated to furnishing a balanced and comprehensive training that equips fellows with the clinical and research skills and experiences essential to launch and maintain successful careers as leaders in academic medicine.

The Reproductive Medicine and Immunology fellowship program was established in 1988. Over 50 physicians and scientists worldwide have received fellowship training and are currently working in the field of Reproductive Medicine and Immunology. We are confident that our program's unique blend of the didactic curriculum and mentored research opportunities provide the foundation for the next generation of researchers to develop solutions that lessen the burden of reproductive failures at the local, national, and international levels. Upon completing the program, fellows are equipped with the diverse skills necessary to identify and evaluate new and effective ways to investigate scientific questions and translate their research outcomes. Our multi-disciplinary faculty, representing diverse departments and affiliated centers, is excited to begin the work of mentoring and training fellows in the year ahead.

Sponsoring Institution

Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Reproductive Medicine and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinic

Director

Joanne Kwak-Kim, MD, MPH, MS
Agnes D. Lattimer MD Professor
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Director, Reproductive Medicine and Immunology
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science

Location

Reproductive Medicine and Immunology Program

Rosalind Franklin University Health System
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
3471 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
847-473-4357
Fax: 847-247-6951

Clinical Immunology Laboratory

Center for Cancer Cell Biology, Immunology and Infection
Chicago Medical School at RFUMS
3333 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
847-247-3444
Fax: 847-775-6506

Lutheran General Hospital

Lutheran General Hospital Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, IL

Fellowship Application

We accept applications year-round. The fellowship duration is 12 months and can be extended to another year(s).

Application

The following documents should be submitted, and candidates must also provide certified or notarized English translations of documents originally written in a language other than English. Applicants who receive an appointment need to request an official transcript from their school(s).

1. A letter of interest in English should be submitted. The letter should state your intent to broaden your academic experience. It should also state your plans after the training and your current level of education/experience.
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Undergraduate transcript
4. Undergraduate degree certificate
5. Certified transcript from medical school
6. Evidence of MD/PhD degrees
7. License certificate (physician only)
8. Proof of financial support for the fellowship position by the institution, government or private sources.
9. A preadmission health review and current immunization record, including the PPD test (TB test). If the TB test is positive, provide a copy of the normal chest x-ray report (within 6 months).
10. Two letters of recommendation from current employer, professors, mentors, or advisers attesting to the candidate's competency.
11. One passport-sized picture

• Prospective fellows must pass a criminal background check and drug screening. Failure to meet applicable eligibility requirements will result in delay or revocation of the interview appointment.

To apply, please email brian.nicholson@rosalindfranklin.edu

Program Contacts:

Joanne Kwak-Kim, MD, MPH
Director, Reproductive Medicine and Immunology,
Professor, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology
Chicago Medical School
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science
Joanne.KwakKim@rosalindfranklin.edu

Laurie Behrendt, RN
Operations Supervisor
IVIG Nursing Services
Administrative Associate Reproductive Medicine
Rosalind Franklin University Health Clinics
3471 Green Bay Road
North Chicago, IL 60064
Office: 847-473-4357
Fax: 847-247-6951
l.behrendt@rfuhs.com

International Research Fellowship in Reproductive Medicine and Immunology

What to do next?

• Upon submission of all documentation, an interview (phone or zoom interview) will be set between the candidate and the program director.
• After the interview, an eligible candidate will receive an official letter of invitation from the program, followed by the DS-2019 form and volunteer packages.
• The candidate should complete the necessary documents as instructed and return them within 90 days.
• The visa portal will be made available to the candidate. The candidate should provide biographical and financial information, including bank statements in USD (must be current within 6 months) and a letter of support for a J-1 visitor visa application.

International Fellowship Requirements and Information

Self-Funding: The program does not guarantee the funds for reimbursement or stipends, although financial support is occasionally possible. Therefore, you need to arrive at your own funding and support your stay with your funding. Evidence of external institutional financial support is highly recommended. The amount of funds the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service requires is at least $1680 per month for yourself, with an additional $590 per month for each dependent accompanying you, if applicable.

Health Insurance: Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for J-1 international fellowship scholars. Warning: Failure to maintain the required insurance results in the termination from the fellowship program by The University.

Certification: The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 requires that you produce documents that authorize you to be in the United States. Upon arrival at the Center, you must present the department's original documents to establish (1) true identity and (2) eligibility to be in the United States.

The day after your arrival, you must personally check in with the program director and report to the Human Resources department located at 3333 Green Bay Road, N. Chicago, IL. Please bring your passport, I-94, and health insurance verification with you.

Program Period: The International Research Fellowship is one year in duration. You are granted up to 4 weeks of vacation time. Vacation time must be communicated and worked out with the faculty supervisor before leaving. The program can be extended another year for additional training.

Study: The program is committed to clinical and research training. The International Fellowship Program allows you to personally observe clinical care with your mentor for Reproductive Medicine and Immunology in the United States. You will work closely with the faculty members and participate in laboratory and clinical research within the University and the Clinic. The fellow is expected to be familiar with study design, methodology, and statistical analysis (e.g., univariate analysis, Student t-test, Chi-square analysis). A higher statistical and computer knowledge (e.g., MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint) is desirable and should be emphasized in the application. The fellow is expected to publish manuscripts under the faculty's guidance actively.