| | | | Fellows are medical doctors with MD degrees. Fellows have graduated from medical school. Fellows have often completed graduate medical resident education programs (residency). Fellows are often already certified specialists in a specific branch of medicine (e.g. OB/GYN). Fellows like Dr. Berry choose to complete additional training in highly specialized subspecialties such as gynecologic oncology. | | | | |
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Emily Berry, MD, is the first gynecologic oncology fellow at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Here, Dr. Berry explains her role as a fellow at the medical school. What is a fellow?
“I describe myself as a ‘junior partner’ who has chosen to practice this sub-specialty,” Dr. Berry says. A gynecologic oncologist is a specialist in the field of obstetrics and gynecology with additional training in that field’s associated cancers, or oncology. The subspecialty results from training received as a fellow—a two- to four-year program, one of only dozens in the country, dedicated specifically to gynecologic oncology. What does a fellow do? What are their responsibilities? Simply put, fellows spend their time learning and practicing medicine. Dr. Berry has already spent more than a decade in medical training—completing medical school, a residency in obstetrics and gynecology, and the first two years of her fellowship. She has led a team of three residents, and she now conducts basic science research. By nature of her clinical work, Dr. Berry is also becoming an expert pelvic surgeon. “I’ve come to the realization that this training has given me a huge set of advanced skills that can help not only cancer patients, but other obstetric and gynecologic patients as well,” she says. How are fellowships unique at the Feinberg School of Medicine? Because fellowship training must be board-approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, Dr. Berry’s training is similar to other fellows’ nationwide. However, she acclaims significant advantages to completing her fellowship at the Feinberg School. Dr. Berry notes that the medical school is one of only three national Centers for Gestational Trophoblastic Disease—a rare disease that is highly treatable, if properly diagnosed. She also praises the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University and the new Prentice Women’s Hospital for creating an environment that values dedication to women’s health. Above all, Dr. Berry applauds the mentors she has had access to on the faculty at the Feinberg School. How do fellows make a difference in medicine and health? Dr. Berry believes that her training has prepared her to meet diverse challenges head-on. Gynecologic oncologists, like other highly-specialized physicians, are charged with sharing the existence of their subspecialty with the public, sharing expert knowledge with colleagues, and encouraging medical students to investigate these challenging, but rewarding career paths. Of course, the greatest challenge of all doctors and fellows is to successfully treat their patients. Dr. Berry recalls difficult treatments and long hours, but also, extended relationships with her patients and their families. She is able to walk her patients through their entire treatment process, building a bond that can be a comfort to both patient and physician. In combination with this rapport, Dr. Berry feels that new, patient-tailored cancer treatments could open doors into targeted prevention and therapies, and greater hope for patients. Fellowship funds are vital to ensuring that future generations of specialists receive training from Northwestern faculty. Contact Jeff Nearhoof at 312.503.3088, or visit our Ways to Give page to learn more about how to support fellowships. | 
