REI Fellowship Program

The first private institution in the GCC to offer a DOH & NIHS accredited 3-year subspecialty fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility

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

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Patient Care

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Medical Knowledge

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Practice-Based Learning

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Systems-Based Practice

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Professionalism

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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

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Restricted Access – 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

Alertness Management and Fatigue Mitigation
Certification Program – Embryology
Clinical and Educational Work Hours
Clinical Competency Committee
Effect of Extended Leave on Training
Eligibility Criteria – Fellows
Grievance Policy
Harassment and Discrimination
Internal Review
Leave of Absence
Management of Institutional Accreditation
Medical Education Policy
New Hire Orientation
Observership Policy
Physician Impairment / Substance Abuse
Program Evaluation Committee (PEC)
Program Letter Agreement
Promotion, Non-Promotion and Dismissal
Assessment and Evaluation
Trainee Responsibilities
Supervision of Residents and Fellows
Graduate Medical Education Committee (GMEC)
Accommodation of Disabilities
Appeals Policy
Mentorship Policy
Moonlighting Policy
Performance Improvement Plan
Professionalism Policy
Quality Improvement and Patient Safety
Recruitment and Contract
Social Media Policy
Faculty Development & Career Progression
Awards & Recognition Policy
Withdrawals and Refunds Policy

Eligibility & Selection – 2026–2027 Cycle

All applications must be submitted through the DoH TAMM portal during the annual application window.

DOH Fellowship Information β†— Apply via TAMM Portal β†—

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

CriteriaUAE NationalsInternational Applicants
Practice Discontinuity≀ 3 years≀ 3 years
Age Limit (as of 1 Sept 2026)Below 40 yearsBelow 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
Important: Applicants may not decline a matched position. Withdrawal after acceptance may restrict future participation in all postgraduate training programs.

Official MEAD 2026 Timeline

EventStart DateEnd Date
MEAD 2026 Application Opens01 Mar 202631 Mar 2026
DoH Screening01 Apr 202614 Apr 2026
Program Director Screening & Interview Slot Entry15 Apr 202629 Apr 2026
Applicant Interview Booking30 Apr 202605 May 2026
Interviews with Facilities06 May 202616 Jun 2026
Final Submission of Rank Order List17 Jun 202623 Jun 2026
Post-match with Other Regulatory Bodies24 Jun 202606 Jul 2026
License Issuance & Contracting07 Jul 202603 Jan 2027
Fellowship Program Start04 Jan 2027–

Program Structure

3
Years Duration
2+
Fellows per Year

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

πŸ”¬ General Infertility
🧫 Assisted Reproductive Techniques (ART)
πŸ‘¨ Male Infertility
βš—οΈ Reproductive Endocrinology
πŸ₯ Endometriosis & Minimal Access Surgery
πŸ“Š Research

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

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Ovarian Stimulation

Ovarian stimulation & cycle planning protocols.

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OPU & ET

Supervised and graded autonomy in oocyte pick-up and embryo transfer.

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Infertility Evaluation

Comprehensive male and female infertility evaluation.

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Reproductive Endocrinology

Endocrinology of reproduction and hormonal management.

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IVF Lab–Clinic Interface

Integration between laboratory and clinical management in ART.

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Ethics, Consent & Regulation

Regulatory frameworks, ethical practice, and patient consent.

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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

1
Novice
2
Advanced Beginner
3
Competent
4
Proficient β˜…
5
Expert

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:

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Workplace-Based Assessments

CBD (Case-Based Discussion), OSATS, Mini-CEX β€” direct observation in clinical settings.

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Logbooks & Sign-offs

Electronic procedural logbook with structured competency sign-offs for all key procedures.

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Quarterly Reviews

Formal quarterly performance reviews with Program Director and senior faculty.

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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.

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