Program Overview
First private institution in the GCC to offer a recognized subspecialty fellowship in REI β approved by the Department of Health (DOH) and compliant with the National Institute of Health Sciences (NIHS) framework.
The Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI) at Fakih IVF Fertility Center is a structured subspecialty training program designed to provide comprehensive clinical, academic, and research-based education in reproductive medicine.
Training emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, structured didactic learning, supervised research, and close mentorship. Fellows receive advanced instruction in both medical and surgical management of infertility, endometriosis, and reproductive endocrine disorders, including assisted reproductive technologies (ART).
Competency-Based Education Model
Patient Care
Medical Knowledge
Practice-Based Learning
Systems-Based Practice
Professionalism
Interpersonal Skills
Program Goals & Objectives
Program Goal
The primary goal of the REI Fellowship is to train physicians with subspecialty-level expertise capable of delivering advanced reproductive care in tertiary referral settings.
Program Objectives
- Develop consultant-level technical and clinical proficiency in reproductive endocrinology and infertility
- Provide comprehensive exposure across the spectrum of reproductive health β adolescent care, reproductive-age patients, and peri- and postmenopausal populations
- Ensure familiarity with evolving ART technologies and evidence-based fertility treatments
- Prepare fellows to organize, supervise, and lead reproductive medicine services at local and regional levels
- Cultivate academic leaders who contribute to research, guideline development, teaching, and quality management
- Support the translation of emerging research into clinical practice and public education
Fellowship Aims
- Serve as a regional resource for advanced fertility training
- Develop and promote standardized clinical practice guidelines
- Establish and maintain a structured REI curriculum
- Encourage participation in clinical research and investigational protocols
- Promote continuing medical education aligned with current trends in ART
- Support public and professional education in reproductive medicine
Program Policy
Restricted Access β Enrolled Fellows Only
All program policies are accessible exclusively to enrolled fellows via the New Innovations login portal, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with DOH and institutional requirements.
Policy List
Eligibility & Selection β 2026β2027 Cycle
All applications must be submitted through the DoH TAMM portal during the annual application window.
Who Should Apply
- Licensed Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists seeking advanced sub-specialty training in reproductive medicine
- UAE nationals, UAE-trained graduates, and eligible international graduates
Eligibility Criteria
2.1 Educational Qualification
Hold a medical degree from an accredited institution.
2.2 Specialization Certification
- Valid primary Board specialization certificate from a Tier 1 or Tier 2 board
- Time between residency completion and board certification must be less than 5 years
2.3 Practice Continuity & Age Limits
| Criteria | UAE Nationals | International Applicants |
|---|---|---|
| Practice Discontinuity | β€ 3 years | β€ 3 years |
| Age Limit (as of 1 Sept 2026) | Below 40 years | Below 36 years |
2.4 Language & Licensing
- Proficient in written and oral English
- Must hold a valid DoH professional license
Required Documentation
- Passport copy (valid β₯ 6 months)
- Emirates ID (if available, valid β₯ 6 months)
- Passport-style photo (white background)
- Graduation certificate & academic transcript
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Internship completion certificate
- Residency completion certificate
- Board completion certificate
- Valid professional license & Good Standing Certificate
Selection & Matching Process
- Application & Screening β Submit via TAMM; DoH reviews credentials and eligibility
- Shortlisting & Interviews β Eligible applicants invited for interview by Fakih IVF (mandatory attendance)
- Matching & Offer β Matched based on eligibility, preferences, and seat availability. Formal offer issued.
- Enrollment β Fellows receive onboarding instructions and must comply with all DoH regulations
Official MEAD 2026 Timeline
| Event | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| MEAD 2026 Application Opens | 01 Mar 2026 | 31 Mar 2026 |
| DoH Screening | 01 Apr 2026 | 14 Apr 2026 |
| Program Director Screening & Interview Slot Entry | 15 Apr 2026 | 29 Apr 2026 |
| Applicant Interview Booking | 30 Apr 2026 | 05 May 2026 |
| Interviews with Facilities | 06 May 2026 | 16 Jun 2026 |
| Final Submission of Rank Order List | 17 Jun 2026 | 23 Jun 2026 |
| Post-match with Other Regulatory Bodies | 24 Jun 2026 | 06 Jul 2026 |
| License Issuance & Contracting | 07 Jul 2026 | 03 Jan 2027 |
| Fellowship Program Start | 04 Jan 2027 | β |
Program Structure
Program Delivery
- Curriculum-based training (competency/milestones)
- Hands-on clinical experience in outpatient, inpatient, laboratory, and surgical settings
- Robust assessment and evaluation structure (formative and summative)
- Participation in audits and clinical/basic research
Program Rotations
Additional Competencies
- Ethics & Legal considerations in reproductive medicine
- Psychological aspects of infertility and treatment
Teaching & Administrative Roles
- Deliver lectures, case discussions, and workshops
- Participate in clinic scheduling, multidisciplinary meetings, and quality improvement initiatives
Curriculum
Curriculum Domains
Ovarian Stimulation
Ovarian stimulation & cycle planning protocols.
OPU & ET
Supervised and graded autonomy in oocyte pick-up and embryo transfer.
Infertility Evaluation
Comprehensive male and female infertility evaluation.
Reproductive Endocrinology
Endocrinology of reproduction and hormonal management.
IVF LabβClinic Interface
Integration between laboratory and clinical management in ART.
Ethics, Consent & Regulation
Regulatory frameworks, ethical practice, and patient consent.
ART Complications
Risk management and management of ART-related complications.
Curriculum Framework & Competencies
Competency-based, learner-centered education following the ACGME framework aligned with CanMEDS. Six core competencies: patient care, medical knowledge, systems-based practice, practice-based learning, professionalism, and interpersonal skills.
Fellowship Milestones
β Level 4 (Proficient) is the graduation goal. Level 5 (Expert) reflects above-expected proficiency.
Assessment & Progression
Assessment follows the ACGME format with a comprehensive suite of tools:
Workplace-Based Assessments
CBD (Case-Based Discussion), OSATS, Mini-CEX β direct observation in clinical settings.
Logbooks & Sign-offs
Electronic procedural logbook with structured competency sign-offs for all key procedures.
Quarterly Reviews
Formal quarterly performance reviews with Program Director and senior faculty.
Final Appraisal
Comprehensive academic and clinical appraisal at program completion.
Academic & Scholarly Activities
Academic Activities
- Minimum 1 hour/week protected for structured academic activities
- Didactic Sessions: Lectures by faculty, visiting experts, or senior fellows
- Didactic Conferences: Case discussions, MDT meetings, fertility imaging review
- Grand Rounds: Presentation of complex or interesting cases
- Journal Clubs: Critical appraisal of current literature
- Skills Labs: Hands-on surgical and laboratory practice in a simulation setting
Scholarly Activities
Scholarly Engagement includes: Grand rounds, posters, workshops, quality improvement presentations, podium presentations, grant applications, textbooks, webinars, committees, editorial roles.
Scholarly Project
- Supervised by a dedicated faculty research mentor
- Prepared for publication and/or formal presentation
- Documentation included in the fellow's portfolio
Research Curriculum
- Structured education in research design, methodology, data analysis, and grant writing
- Opportunities for basic, translational, and clinical research
- Academic presentation opportunities at national and international conferences
Contact Us & FAQs
For inquiries regarding REI Fellowship admissions, please contact our academics team.
View Fellowship FAQs