Fellowship

In keeping with the mission of ISSWSH, the board of directors has developed a fellowship program. Designation of ISSWSH Fellow (IF) signifies training in the interdisciplinary, collaborative management of Female Sexual Health within a clinical or research track.

ISSWSH Fellowship is based on stringent and objective criteria as outlined below to determine both initial certification, renewal of certification and the grandfathering of fellows.

CRITERIA FOR APPLYING FOR ISSWSH FELLOWSHIP:
CANDIDATES MUST:

1. Must be a current member of ISSWSH in good standing. 
2. ISSWSH membership dues must be current.

Applicants must submit the following documentation in either PDF, Microsoft Word document or rich text format to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

1. Statement of Work in the field of female sexuality (7 pages maximum).
2. Statement of education in human sexuality (1 page).
3. Copies of CME / CE certificates that total 75 credits.
   This must include, at minimum: Two ISSWSH Training Courses or one ISSWSH Training Course and one ISSWSH Annual meeting within the last 3 years.
4. Statement attesting that the applicant has read and understands the ISSWSH bylaws.
5. Copy of current professional license in the specialty of designated.
6. Two letters of recommendation from ISSWSH Fellows in good standing.
7. Curriculum Vitae which must include your current employment.

IT IS REQUESTED THAT APPLICATIONS BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO FACILITATE COMMITTEE REVIEW OF THE APPLICATION.

Fees

Initial Fellowship fee is USD 300.00

Duration

The duration of the ISSWSH Fellowship (IF) status is for a 5-year term. After the 5-year period recertification is required. Active ISSWSH membership is required for the ISSWSH Fellowship (IF) certificate if the participant allows his or her ISSWSH membership to lapse, so too would the designation of ISSWSH Fellowship (IF).

Renewal Fees

USD 155.00

Requirements for ISSWSH Fellowship (IF) Maintenance/Renewal

After the initial IF certification period of 5 years, an ISSWSH Fellow (IF) can maintain his/her fellowship by completion of 75 CME/CEs within the previous five-year period and reapplying to ISSWSH. The 75 credits must be derived from at LEAST one ISSWSH Annual Meeting or one ISSWSH Training Course (or equivalent-authorized by Fellowship committee), within the previous 5 years. Documentation of the 75 credits must accompany the completed Maintenance Application. All applicants are encouraged to submit their information electronically to facilitate review at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the ISSWSH Executive Office.

IF Certification by Special Circumstances

Eligibility ISSWSH recognizes that professionals can achieve competency in female sexuality and education through avenues other than listed above. Special circumstances do exist, where it is possible to verify that a candidate’s knowledge, skill, experience, and ethical standards meet the IF and ISSWSH standards for competency.
Certification Under Special Circumstances will be offered/available to health care professionals who are recognized by their peers locally, regionally, nationally or internationally, as highly competent in female sexuality and who meet the following criteria:

1. Active Current Membership in ISSWSH.
2. The candidate has read the ISSWSH Code of Ethics and documents, in writing, their intent to be bound by the ISSWSH Code of Ethics.
3. Academic and Professional Experience. The candidate has earned a minimum of a Bachelor¹s degree from an accredited college or university and has completed a minimum of 15 hours of graduate work, or clinical experience related to Human Sexuality. A supportive document stating this experience should accompany the application under special circumstances.
4. The candidate has accrued ten (10) years of professional experience (post Bachelor¹s degree) in sexual medicine clinical practice or research.

Application

In addition, the appropriate application must include the application fee (USD 300.00), which is non-refundable. If the candidate chooses to submit a paper application, three copies of the materials are required. Only completed applications will be reviewed. Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant. Participants are strongly encouraged to submit their application electronically. 

Required Materials for IF under Special Circumstances:

1. Cover Sheet including
   Candidates name and address email and phone number
2. Academic degrees
3. Academic Titles and affiliation
4. Licensure
5. An official transcript from program(s) where degree(s) were earned.
6. Copy(ies) of state certificate(s) and / or license(s).
7. Current Curriculum Vitae.
8. A letter outlining the candidate¹s work and training in the field of sexuality. (Further documentation should be supplied upon request). (7 pages maximum)
9. A letter from the candidate stating that the candidate has read the ISSWSH bylaws and agrees to be bound by them.
10. Two letters of recommendation from current ISSWSH Fellows in good standing.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the ISSWSH Executive Office.