Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Women and families facing high-risk pregnancies rely on Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialists to care for and guide them through the unique challenges they face. Key to the specialty is its interdisciplinary approach and valued partnerships with the divisions of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility, General Obstetrics & Gynecology and Clinical Genetics allow for comprehensive patient care and education of future clinicians and investigators.
The division participates in the NIHCD-sponsored MFM Units Network, allowing us to partner with 14 sites to conduct multi-center clinical trials.
About Our Work
Education
Medical students and residents complete rotations with the division to gain an understanding of the competencies required in the various obstetrical, medical and surgical complications of pregnancy. The Division of MFM also offers an outstanding fellowship program for one fellow each year. The fellowship incorporates research, education and clinical activities to prepare graduates for successful academic careers. Each fellow has a high-risk continuity clinic throughout their three years and rotates during their 12 months of clinical work on the inpatient clinical service and in Diagnostic Ultrasound and Clinical Genetics.
Research
Faculty members, staff and fellows in the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine collaborate with Serdar E. Bulun, MD, along with investigators in other departments, to explore basic science research issues. We also conduct randomized clinical trials and outcomes research to benefit women and their newborns. We are currently performing research in four clinical trials networks, investigating such topics as fetal growth, complications of first pregnancy, preterm birth and cytomegalovirus infections during pregnancy.
Patient Care
The clinical program is based at Prentice Women’s Hospital, the Obstetrics & Gynecology pavilion of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, which is the primary teaching affiliate of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Our diverse and large (over 12,000 deliveries annually) patient population provides excellent opportunities for challenging clinical care. We provide consultative services, total obstetric care and ultrasonography for high-risk pregnancies throughout the Chicago metropolitan area.
