The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) Fellowship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).

Since 1979, UCI has trained fellows to be leaders in the field of urogynecology. Our goal is to train pelvic surgeons who will pursue academic careers and become luminaries in urogynecology and reconstructive pelvic surgery. The diversity of training offered at this large academic referral center allows fellows to master vaginal, robotic and laparoscopic surgery and to produce specialists who are prepared to provide consultation and comprehensive management of women with pelvic floor disorders. 

Our program shares a unique collaboration with the UCI Department of Urology, the Divisions of Colorectal Surgery and Gastroenterology, the Beckman Laser Institute, the Bill and Sue Gross Stem Cell Center and the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science. Fellows are mentored in clinical and basic science research and regularly present original research at national and international meetings. Fellows have the opportunity to obtain a master’s in clinical research during their three-year URPS Fellowship.

Our program strives to achieve all of the educational objectives the ACGME sets forth. As such, the program is designed to ensure the fellow completes the program well equipped for eventual subspecialty certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We are also deeply committed to the wellness of our fellow physicians, which is reflected in our curriculum and their everyday experience.

 

Why UCI?

The UCI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is a big family, and we could not be more excited to share information about our Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship with you! UCI is an outstanding place to train and a beautiful place to live. We are fortunate to be located in a culturally diverse community with wonderful natural resources, including beautiful beaches and close proximity to the mountains. Orange County is also home to several professional sports teams, theme parks and theaters. In addition to Orange County’s many features and incredible weather, the URPS Fellowship program is one of the leading training programs in the nation.

A small group of diverse nursing students sit around a boardroom table as they listen attentively to their teacher and lead doctor. They are each dressed in medical scrubs and sitting with papers out in front of them. The doctor is holding out a clipboard with a document on it as she reviews it with the group.

Program Highlights

  • Surgical Training: Training in robotic, laparoscopic, open and vaginal prolapse repair
  • Neuromodulation: Sacral and tibial neuromodulation.
  • Collaborative Training:
    • A jointly shared program between an academic medical center and a large established health maintenance organization (Kaiser Permanente)
    • Unique collaboration with the Department of Urology and Colorectal Surgery
  • Interdisciplinary Support: Additional contributions to our program come from our unique relationship with allied services, including gastroenterology, a dedicated pelvic floor radiologist and a nationally recognized geriatrics program
  • Faculty Expertise: Faculty with a tremendous depth and breadth of clinical and academic experience, including seven fellowship-trained urogynecologists, five fellowship-trained colorectal surgeons, two urologists and two pelvic floor physical therapists
  • Research Excellence:
    • UC Irvine is consistently rated among the best gynecology departments in the country by U.S. News & World Report
    • Highly ranked obstetrics and gynecology research department with established NIH funding
    • Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center/CIRM grants

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) Fellowship at UCI is a three-year multidisciplinary program that combines training in gynecology, urology and colorectal surgery. 

All applicants should have satisfactorily completed an obstetrics and gynecology residency approved by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) or the Council of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Our program is accredited with the ACGME, and we adhere to the objectives set forth by the board.

Interested physicians are encouraged to apply for fellowship positions through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) ERAS program website.

Fellowship Application

Medical School Transcript

MSPE (Dean’s Letter)

Three Letters of Recommendation

Personal Statement

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USMLE Score(s)

An interview will be necessary for consideration. Do not send official transcripts, Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology scores or any other additional documentation via email. Our program supports fellows with J-1 visas. Our program will adhere to the common program dates set forth by AUGS. 
 

Applications Open

December 1

 

Interview Sessions

Two interview sessions are scheduled for
April 25, 2025
(a.m. and p.m. sessions)

 

Karla Lorente, MD
Karla Lorente, MD
Charlotte ter Haar, MD
Charlotte ter Haar, MD
Gabrielle Avery, MD
Gabrielle Avery, MD
Felicia Lane, MD
Felicia Lane, MD

Division Director—Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Associate Director—Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship Program
Taylor Brueseke, MD
Taylor Brueseke, MD

Associate Clinical Professor—Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Quality and Safety Officer—Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Dena Moskowitz, MD
Dena Moskowitz, MD

Director—Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship Program

Associate Professor— Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Carly Crowder, MD
Carly Crowder, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor— Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Olivia Chang, MD
Olivia Chang, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor, Urology
Eltheia Shiozaki
Eltheia Shiozaki

Physical Therapist

 

Noelani Guaderrama, MD — 600x600

Noelani Guaderrama, MD

Southern California Permanente Medical Group

Clinical Professor, Volunteer Clinical Faculty–Obstetrics & Gynecology, UC Irvine

 

Emily L Whitcomb, MD, MAS - 600x600

Emily L. Whitcomb, MD, MAS

Southern California Permanente Medical Group

Assistant Clinical Professor, Volunteer Clinical Faculty–Obstetrics & Gynecology, UC Irvine

 

Jun Ihara, MD - 600x600

Jun Ihara, MD

Southern California Permanente Medical Group

Volunteer Clinical Faculty–Obstetrics & Gynecology, UC Irvine

 

Jennifer K, Lee, MD - 600x600

Jennifer K. Lee, MD

Southern California Permanente Medical Group

Volunteer Clinical Faculty–Obstetrics & Gynecology, UC Irvine

 

Follow Us on Twitter
@URPSUCI

Instagram
@ucirvine.urogyn.fellowship

Have Questions?

Fellowship Program Coordinator
Lena Nguyen, MHA
714-456-5616
lenacn@hs.uci.edu