Becoming a fertility specialist requires 3 years of fellowship training in reproductive endocrinology through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) following 4 years of medical school and 4 years of residency in obstetrics and gynecology. We break it down step-by-step below.
The medical field is an expansive and increasingly complicated network of specialties and sub-specialties, each with their own unique training and certification requirements. The Career Series is here to help medical students navigate the road from medical student to practicing physician.
From Medical School to Practice: How to Become a Fertility Specialist
Timeline Overview
Step 1: Medical School
Medical school is a 4-year program consisting of 2 years of basic clinical sciences followed by 2 years of clinical rotations.
Years 1 and 2
While patient contact is somewhat limited during the first 2 years of medical school, most universities have resources for students to connect with departments they are interested in through research or shadowing opportunities. Students that think they may be interested in pursuing a career in reproductive endocrinology as a fertility specialist can begin connecting with gynecologists at their university hospital to learn more about the field.
Following their second year, students will take the first of 3 “Step” exams required for US medical licensing (Step 1).
Years 3 and 4
During the third and fourth years of medical school, students complete their clinical rotations. Each rotation lasts between 4-6 weeks with the “core” clinical rotations generally including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, family medicine, psychiatry, neurology, and radiology.
Following their third year, students will take the second of 3 “Step” exams required for US medical licensing (Step 2).
Once the core rotations are complete, usually by the beginning of year 4, students can take a number of elective rotations in departments of their choice. Students interested in a career as a fertility specialist can apply for elective rotations in reproductive endocrinology or obstetrics and gynecology subinternships. Subinternships are similar to elective rotations and allow students the opportunity to gain experience at other hospitals and institutions. This is a great opportunity for students to learn more about hospitals where they are considering applying for a residency position, and to network with other physicians there.
In the fourth and final year of medical school students will also begin their applications to residency programs through the online centralized application system “ERAS”. Students interested in reproductive endocrinology can apply to a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology.
Step 2: Residency
Fertility specialists begin their career with a 4 year residency in obstetrics and gynecology where they will get well-rounded experience with a variety of obstetric and gynecologic disease. Residents will take the third of 3 “Step” exams required for US medical licensing following their first year of residency (Step 3). In the final year of residency, those interested in fertility medicine can begin applying to fellowship programs in reproductive endocrinology.
After completing their residency program, physicians must then take the obstetrics and gynecology board exam through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Most fellowship programs will require their physicians to have passed this board exam before beginning their fellowship training.
Step 3: Fellowship
Sub-specializing in fertility medicine then requires a 3-year fellowship program in reproductive endocrinology after initial residency training and board certification. This fellowship training generally consists of clinical and research experience in a broad range of reproductive medicine.
Upon completing fellowship training, these physicians will take a second board exam to attain board certification in fertility medicine (reproductive endocrinology) through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. This is in addition to their first board exam taken after residency to attain board certification in obstetrics and gynecology.
Once achieving board certification, physicians can apply to positions as a practicing fertility specialists at any US hospital.
Final Thoughts
Becoming a fertility specialist totals at least 11 years of formal training from medical school to fellowship. But it is worth it to make a huge difference in your community. Medical or pre-medical students interested in reproductive endocrinology should connect with local physicians in this field to learn more about the day-to-day responsibilities, career outlook, and lifestyle that come with a career as a fertility specialist.
