Overview
The Cleveland Clinic Ohio Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIGS) Fellowship is unique in having a core group of nationally and internationally known experts. The Section of Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery consists of esteemed gynecologic surgeons, each with complementing areas of surgical expertise, including advanced hysteroscopy, conventional laparoscopy, robotic laparoscopy and vaginal approaches. Our top priority is to educate patients about appropriate treatment options for complex gynecologic pathologies that may include both nonsurgical as well as surgical options. By including a wide range of options, it allows each patient to make the decision that is most appropriate and in line with individual priorities.
The Cleveland Clinic Ohio program prides itself on a robust team of multi-disciplinary colleagues including colorectal surgery, urology, radiology, pathology, psychology, physical therapy, and cardiothoracic surgery to allow optimized care for all patients. An extensive preoperative evaluation is prioritized, as we value the importance of having all required surgeons available at a single surgery. Furthermore, we have a Center for Endometriosis and Chronic Pelvic Pain, Center for Fibroids and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, and the Interdisciplinary Center for Congenital Anomalies of the Reproductive Tract (ICCARE) to allow centered care across specialties.
At the completion of the fellowship, graduates will be able to confidently offer a wide range of nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for complex benign disease. Several surgical approaches will be mastered including hysteroscopy, conventional laparoscopy, robotic approaches. Our graduates will also be equipped to excel in performing research, surgical video publication, surgical coach training, and implementation of an advanced surgical education curriculum.
Staff
Program Director
Associate Program Director
Teaching Staff
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The Program
The Fellowship in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery at Cleveland Clinic Ohio is a comprehensive, two-year academic training program incorporating clinical, research and surgical simulation activities. The aim of our fellowship is to graduate competent surgeons trained in a broad spectrum of minimally invasive gynecologic procedures and approaches including conventional laparoscopy, robotic, vaginal and advanced hysteroscopy. Upon completion of our program, our fellows are poised to serve as both scholarly and surgical resources for the communities in which they eventually practice.
Cleveland Clinic Ohio, a not-for-profit, multi-specialty, fully integrated medical center, serves as a leading referral center for complex pathologies and is the primary site of the fellowship activities. We provide outstanding medical diagnosis and treatment for all types of complex illnesses. Common procedures performed by the MIGS faculty include: laparoscopic and robotic and vaginal hysterectomy; laparoscopic, robotic and hysteroscopic myomectomy; excision of endometriosis; surgical treatment of pelvic adhesive disease; mullerian anomalies; pelvic masses; and pelvic pain.
Clinical and surgical experience is offered to the fellows through collaboration of multiple specialties with rotations within female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, radiology, as well as reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Surgical care is performed in collaboration with colorectal surgery, urology, pathology and cardiothoracic surgery when indicated.
Ample protected research time is provided and the fellow is expected to complete an independent research project including a systematic review and video abstract, present their research at a national meeting, and publish their results in a peer-reviewed journal before graduating.
Duration
2 years
Evaluations
Evaluation of fellows includes:
- 5 evaluations per month through myTIPreport platform
- Milestone evaluation at least twice per year
- Evaluation of staff and program at least once per year
Fellowship Experience
Each MIGS fellow will spend a minimum of 18 months during the two years of training in the MIGS service, working one‐on‐one with each of the core MIGS faculty. Fellows will rotate with faculty to achieve consistent learning and progressive mastery of skills.
In parallel to the Cleveland Clinic mission of patient‐focused care, the fellow will be exposed to a large patient volume in the MIGS referral clinic, Chronic Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis clinic, Center for Fibroids and Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, and the Interdisciplinary Center for Congenital Anomalies of the Reproductive Tract.
Fellows will be in surgery 3‐4 days per week and participate in various office procedures including diagnostic and operative hysteroscopies and trigger point injections, among others. Extensive patient contact under close faculty supervision will allow mastery of understanding the different disease conditions and proficiency in advanced minimally invasive gynecologic procedures such as operative hysteroscopy, myomectomy (hysteroscopy, laparoscopy, robotics and mini‐incision), difficult hysterectomy (laparoscopy – conventional and single‐incision robotics, and open), adnexectomy, excision of all types of endometriosis, and presacral neurectomy.
The goal in the second year of fellowship is for the fellow to function more independently, as Junior Attending, in patient care and residency teaching under the guidance of faculty. Second year fellows have the opportunity to serve as primary surgeon on their clinic patients.
Off‐service rotations
To provide a well‐rounded training with a solid foundation in related gynecologic conditions, the fellow will rotate through:
- Imaging Clinic (both pelvic MRI and ultrasound)
- Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
- Colorectal Surgery
The goal of these rotations is for the fellow to fully comprehend the use of imaging in the diagnosis of benign gynecologic diseases, and understand the relevant reproductive and pelvic floor considerations in the management of benign gynecologic conditions. The fellow will also be exposed to complex surgical procedures (including bowel resections and pelvic floor reconstruction) to enhance familiarity with anatomical relationships in pelvic surgery.
Didactics/education
- Weekly didactics include a preoperative gynecology conference, where select MIGS cases are reviewed regarding preoperative work and surgical plan.
- The MIGS section meets for a monthly journal club, twice monthly core topic review and monthly research updates.
- A multidisciplinary Benign Gynecology Tumor Board conference is held on the fifth Wednesday of the month and includes faculty from colorectal surgery, REI, pathology and radiology.
- Video based surgical coaching sessions are available for all fellows with certified surgical coaches on a monthly basis.
- The Obstetrics and Gynecology Institute meets weekly for Grand Rounds presentations, M&M and journal club activities.
- We have robust simulation training resources. Cleveland Clinic is fortunate to have a body donation program, which allows cadaver labs for all fellows at their request to practice new procedures and hone their skills.
Research
Cleveland Clinic supports a wide range of research interests with a robust network of resources to equip our learners with the knowledge to produce meaningful outcomes. Some of our current projects include evaluating the role of an artificial intelligence and machine learning based prediction model for risk stratification of endometriosis surgery, the role of MRI in management of deeply infiltrating endometriosis, a prospective trial evaluating surgical coaching, and patient satisfaction after hysterectomy. We also have IT support for video capture, video editing and narration.
Current publications
- Dr. Linda Bradley
- Dr. Megan Billow
- Dr. Ashley Gubbels
- Dr. Cara King
- Dr. Lindsey Valentine
- Dr. Youssef Youssef
Scientific meetings
Fellows are invited to participate in the Annual Cleveland Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Research Day and senior fellows present at Obstetrics and Gynecology Institute’s Research Day in the spring.
Fellows have the opportunity to attend American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists Conference and many others.
Additional courses
First year fellows are required to attend the Fall Medical Biostatistics courses hosted by Cleveland Clinic. These courses are intended for clinicians and researchers who are beginning their research careers, seeking to enhance their understanding of biomedical literature, aiming to deepen their knowledge of evidence-based medicine, or in need of a comprehensive review of statistical principles.
Current Fellows
Class of 2027
Lisa Berkowitz, MD
Medical School: New York College of Osteopathic Medicine of NYIT
Residency: Jefferson Einstein Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology
Class of 2026
Maria Alzamora, MD
Medical School: The Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Residency: Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Shobha Sridhar, MD
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Residency: Medstar Washington Hospital Center
Alumni
- Miguel Luna, MD – HCA Florida Healthcare
- Megan Orlando, MD – UCHealth
- Angelina Carey-Love, MD – Lakeland Regional Health
- Jensara Clay, MD – Howard University Hospital
- Tom Gallant, MD – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Liron Bar-El, MD – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
How to Apply
The Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship accepts one or two fellows per year. All positions are filled through the National Residency Matching Program (NRMP) match.
The Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery Fellowship accepts all applications, including international candidates through American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL) – FMIGS Application.
Application timeline
Adheres to the standards established by the AAGL - FMIGS.
Invites
Invitations are sent via in line with the FMIGS AAGL dates.
Interested applicants are invited to consult our GME New Applicant Information Page for further details.
Additional information
For further information, please contact:
Alexandra Gardlock
Sr. Education Program Manager
Obstetrics and Gynecology Institute
gardloa@ccf.org | 330.603.5325
