FMF clinical fellowships

Every year the Fetal Medicine Foundation (FMF) awards several 2-year training fellowships in fetal medicine. The practical training is undertaken at the Fetal Medicine units at King's College Hospital in London, Medway Maritime Hospital in Kent, Southend University Hospital in Essex, Homerton University Hospital in London, North Middlesex University Hospital in London, University Hospital Lewisham in London and University College Hospital in London.

During the period of training the doctors are closely supervised by Professor Nicolaides and a team of Consultants in Fetal Medicine. They will observe and actively assist in the management of a wide range of conditions. These will range from screening for fetal abnormalities to involvement in complex conditions diagnosed antenatally, such as twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. The involvement of the doctors will vary depending on their level of experience, but the aim is that the trainees become competent in all aspects of patient care and counselling.

It is expected that by the end of the Training Fellowship the doctor will have obtained the FMF Certificates of competence in:

• Nuchal translucency scan
• Assessment of the nasal bone
• Assessment of ductus venosus flow
• Assessment of tricuspid flow
• Preeclampsia screening
• The 20-22 weeks scan
• Fetal Doppler Ultrasound
• Cervical assessment
• Fetal echocardiography

Obstetricians who have been registered in the General Medical Council will receive training in amniocentesis and chorionic villi sampling and receive the appropriate FMF certificate of competence.

The trainees will have the opportunity to develop their research interests in fetal-maternal medicine or take part in ongoing research studies. The doctors who have successfully obtained all the above Certificates of Competence and participated in research will be eligible for the Fetal Medicine Foundation Diploma in fetal medicine.

FMF does not provide any other kind of practical training apart from the two year fellowship.

Applications for FMF clinical fellowships

Applicants should complete the FMF Fellowship form and send this together with a reference from the head of the department in their hospital to education@fetalmedicine.org .

It is important that before you apply you have completed all internet based theoretical courses.

Applications for project grants

FMF clinical fellows can apply for research grants with an allocated total of up to £1 million per year. These grants are granted by the scientific committee of the FMF on the basis of their merit and provided they fulfil the following criteria:

• Approval from the National Research Ethics Service (NRES)
• Approval from research and development (R & D) department of the hospital
• Approval from Health Research Authority (HRA) for multicentre studies
• Peer review from outside the institution where the study is to be carried out
• Study registered with Clinical Trials.gov or ISRCTN
• The applicant has a Certificate of Good Clinical Practice