Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology > Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship

UROGYNECOLOGY AND RECONSTRUCTIVE PELVIC SURGERY (URPS) FELLOWSHIP

Program Overview

Program Overview

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, UC Irvine has trained fellows and created leaders in the field of urogynecology. Our goal is to train pelvic surgeons who will pursue academic careers and become luminaries in the field of 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 UC Irvine Department of Urology, Colorectal Surgery, Gastroenterology, Beckman Laser Institute, Bill and Sue Gross Stem Cell Center and the Institute for Clinical and Translational Science (ICTS). 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 Masters in Clinical Research during their three-year URPS fellowship

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


Dena Moskowitz, MD Program Director	Felicia L. Lane, MD Associate Program Director	Taylor J. Brueseke, MD Associate Clinical Professor

How to Apply »

How to Apply

The Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (URPS) at UC Irvine is a three-year fellowship. It is a multidisciplinary program combining 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 (CRCPSC). Our program is accredited with the ACGME and we adhere to 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.

All of the following required documents must be received through ERAS to be considered for an interview:

A completed application
Medical School Transcript
MSPE
At least three letters of recommendation
Personal Statement
Photo
USMLE scores

An interview will be necessary for consideration. Do not send official transcripts, CREOG scores, or any other additional documentation via email. Our program would consider and can support a fellow with a J1 Visa.

We will begin accepting applications on December 1st.

There will be two interview sessions: April 26, 2024 (an AM session and a PM session).

Our program will adhere to the common program dates set forth by AUGS.

Dena Moskowitz, MD Fellowship Program Director Assistant Professor Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology dmoskow@hs.uci.edu
Lena Nguyen Fellowship Program Coordinator, Department of OBGYN Medical Education Specialist lenacn@hs.uci.edu

Fellowship Structure »

Over the course of the three-year fellowship program, fellows will pass through rotations at UC Irvine, Kaiser Sand Canyon, and Kaiser Anaheim. The program is broken into one month blocks as shown here.

Biostatistical Support

The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology at UC Irvine has two statisticians available to assist fellows with research, project preparation, grant submission, and data analysis. Research support is also available for studies involving Kaiser Permanente patients.

FHC-Santa Ana Clinic

Our fellows rotate through the federally qualified health care clinic in Santa Ana wherein fellows work with an underserved and culturally diverse patient population. This is a unique opportunity for fellows to teach and supervise our outstanding residents. This clinic provides cystoscopy, pessary fittings, surgical counseling, and management of other common urogynecological conditions.

Didactics

All fellows and UC Irvine/Kaiser faculty participate in our formal didactic sessions which are held on the first Wednesday of every month. These sessions are comprised of a formal lecture, technology enhanced book chapter review, research conference, and journal club.

Additionally, fellows are active participants in our weekly Surgical Planning Conference held on Thursday mornings. All surgical cases for the upcoming week are presented by the residents on service and reviewed by the fellows and attendings. All UC Irvine URPS attendings as well as general gynecology faculty attend. This setting provides a unique opportunity for trainees to get perspectives from various providers regarding surgical decision making and perioperative management. Furthermore, fellows demonstrate their ability to apply relevant literature to clinical practice.

Fellows also attend the department's weekly resident stats, M&M presentations, and Grand Rounds lectures on Friday mornings. Fellows will present Grand Rounds once during the course of their fellowship, at the end of the third year.

Global Health Opportunities

Fellows have an opportunity to participate in global health: traveling to Rwanda to aid in care of fistula patients or traveling to Guatemala to care for patients with incontinence and prolapse. Both of these opportunities help our fellows learn how to care for patients in low resource settings and expand their understanding of rare conditions.

Faculty »

Dena Moskowitz, MD Assistant Clinical Professor Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship Program Dr. Moskowitz’s clinical interests include urinary incontinence and voiding dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse (vaginal and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery), overactive bladder, fistula repair, urethral diverticulum, and neurogenic bladder. Her current research is focused on overactive bladder, including access to care, and the development and implementation of newer treatment options. Education UC Santa Barbara, 1999 – BS, Physiology UCSF/SFSU, 2002 – MS, Physical Therapy Medical College of Wisconsin, 2011 – Doctor of Medicine UC Irvine, 2012 – Internship, General Surgery UC Irvine, 2016 – Residency, Urology Virginia Mason Medical Center, 2018 – Fellowship, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Felicia Lane, MS, MD Health Sciences Professor Vice Chair, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Division Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Associate Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Fellowship Program Dr. Felicia L. Lane focuses on complex reconstructive vaginal and robotic surgery for the treatment and management of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and anal incontinence. Currently, Dr. Lane's research interests focus on neuromodulation and improving diagnostic techniques using technology. She serves on the ACGME RC and as a member of URPS division for ABOG. Education UC Santa Barbara, 1992 - BS, biopsychology Georgetown University, 1994 – Master of Science, physiology and biophysics Georgetown University, 1998 - Doctor of Medicine UC Irvine, 2002 - Internship and residency, obstetrics and gynecology UC Irvine, 2004 - Fellowship, Urogynecology
Taylor J. Brueseke, MD Associate Clinical Professor Quality and Safety Officer, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Medical Director, Center for Pelvic Health, St. Joseph’s Hospital Dr. Taylor G. Brueseke's professional interests include minimally invasive robotic surgical management of pelvic organ prolapse, including uterine preservation, surgical management of urinary leakage and accidental bowel leakage, repair of vesicovaginal and rectovaginal fistula, and vaginal mesh complications. His research focus is optimizing patient outcomes with surgical experiences and identifying new treatments for incontinence and prolapse. Education Brigham Young University, 2006 - BS, neuroscience The Pennsylvania State University, 2010 - Doctor of Medicine UC Irvine, 2014 - Internship and residency, obstetrics and gynecology University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 2017 - Fellowship, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Olivia H. Chang, MD, MPH Assistant Professor of Clinical Urology and OB/GYN Dr. Olivia Chang focuses on individualized patient-centered care for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, urinary dysfunction and those with congenital or acquired conditions utilizing minimally invasive and evidence-based therapies. Dr. Chang’s research interests include the impact of hysterectomy on pelvic floor disorders, surgical outcomes after pelvic reconstructive surgery and developing personalized treatment for overactive bladder utilizing artificial intelligence. Education McGill University, 2008 - BA & Sc Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 2010 - Master of Public Health Tulane University School of Medicine, 2013 – Doctor of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Harvard Medical School, 2017 – Internship and Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology Cleveland Clinic, 2021 – Fellowship, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Eltheia Shoizaki Physical Therapist Eltheia Shoizaki is a physical therapist with a passion for helping patients with pelvic floor disorders. She specializes in the treatment of the following diagnoses, including: pelvic/abdominal pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, interstitial cystitis, fecal incontinence, evacuation disorders, prenatal/postpartum issues, and postsurgical complications that result in pain and lack of mobility. To further complement her pelvic floor training, she has obtained her biofeedback certification, visceral manipulation, craniosacral therapy, and dynamic neuromuscular rehabilitation all with the goal of helping patients achieve full restoration of function. Education California State University Long Beach, 1987 - BS, physical therapy California State Licensed PT Biofeedback Certification Institute of America, Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction Biofeedback Certified Pilates instructor

Kaiser Permanente Orange County Faculty

Noelani Guaderrama, MD Division Director, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Southern California Permanente Medical Group Associate Clinical Professor (Volunteer), Obstetrics & Gynecology, University of California, Irvine Dr. Noelani Guaderrama focuses on treatment of pelvic floor disorders. Education Santa Clara University, 1993 – BS Biology University of California Irvine School of Medicine, 1998 – Doctor of Medicine University of California Irvine, 2002 – Internship and Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology University of California San Diego, 2005 – Fellowship, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Emily L. Whitcomb, MD, MAS Partner Physician, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Southern California Permanente Medical Group Associate Fellowship Director Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, University of California Irvine Assistant Clinical Professor, Volunteer Clinical Faculty, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, CA Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Clinical Science, Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine Dr. Whitcomb focuses on the comprehensive evaluation and treatment of pelvic floor disorders including pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence and anal incontinence. She is actively involved in research endeavors within the Southern California Permanente Medical Group, and in collaboration with residents and fellows at the University of California Irvine. She also serves as a research mentor within the Department of Clinical Science at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J Tyson School of Medicine, and area research Chair to the Regional Research Committee. She serves on the ACOG Clinical Consensus (Gynecology) Committee and is an oral board examiner for ABOG. Education Brown University, 1994 – B.A. Psychology Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 2002 – Doctor of Medicine University of California San Diego, 2006 – Residency, Obstetrics and Gynecology University of California San Diego, 2009 – Fellowship, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery University of California San Diego, 2009 – Master of Advanced Sciences
Jun Ihara, MD Physician Emeritus, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Southern California Permanente Medical Group Volunteer Clinical Faculty, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, CA Dr. Ihara focuses on complex vaginal reconstructive surgeries for treatment of pelvic floor disorders. He is committed to teaching residents and fellows in the office and operating room. He works as a clinical and research mentor to the fellows. Education University of Illinois, Chicago, 1977 – BS in Biology University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine, 1982 – MD Michael Reese Hospital, 1986 – OBGYN residency
Jennifer K. Lee, MD Partner Physician, Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, Southern California Permanente Medical Group Volunteer Clinical Faculty, Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California Irvine, CA Dr. Lee provides comprehensive care for pelvic floor disorders. She focuses on complex vaginal reconstructive surgery as well as laparoscopic approaches for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse and urinary incontinence. She works as a mentor for residents and fellows in office and operating room settings. Education University of Illinois at Urbana, IL 1997 – BS, Biochemistry University of Illinois at Chicago, IL 2001 – MD Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 2005 – OBGYN residency University of California, Irvine, CA 2012 – Fellowship in Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

Current Fellows »

Current Fellows
Carly Crowder, MD Medical School: USF Health Morsani College of Medicine, 2017 Residency: UCI, Orange, CA, 2021
Karla Lorente, MD Medical School: Boston University School of Medicine, 2018 Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago, 2022
Charlotte ter Haar, MD Medical School: University of Illinois at Chicago, 2019 Residency: University of Illinois at Chicago, 2023

Program Strengths - The Bottom Line »

The UCI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology is a big family, and we couldn’t 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. Some of our highlights include:

Training in robotic, laparoscopic, open, and vaginal prolapse repair
Neuromodulation (sacral and tibial)
A jointly shared program between an academic medical center and a large established health maintenance organization (Kaiser Permanente)
A unique collaboration with the Department of Urology and Colorectal Surgery
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.
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
UC Irvine is consistently rated among the best gynecology departments in the country by U.S. News and World Report
Highly ranked obstetrics and gynecology research department with established NIH funding
Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center/CIRM grants