“From the time I first arrived at UB, I could tell that everyone was truly interested in my success and wanted to help train me to become the best physician that I could possibly be,” says resident Fernando Recio, MD, right, with Paul Ogburn, MD.
How To Choose An OB-GYN Residency
If you are searching for a residency that provides you with the support, opportunities and resources you need to develop as a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, we recommend looking for a program with these six specific attributes:
1. Dedicated faculty
Make sure that faculty are obstetrics and gynecology health care leaders who are committed to your training and success.
In our obstetrics and gynecology residency, we have identified core faculty who work with small groups of residents to:
- provide oversight
- regularly evaluate each resident
- make sure that you reach all training milestones
In addition, our faculty enjoy significant protected teaching time.
2. Comprehensive, Up-to-Date Curriculum
Some program administrators review their curriculum only when the ACGME releases new guidelines.
Instead, they should do it every year.
A thorough annual review assures that the curriculum continually evolves — that administrators are taking advantage of all the resources at their disposal to best prepare you to meet the challenges of the changing health care landscape.
We actually take it a step further and review our curriculum on a monthly basis.
The review should encompass all topics within the curriculum so you benefit from updated didactics for success in your training, on the boards and beyond.
Our trainees have averaged a board passage rate of 94 percent in recent years when the national average for the same time span is 85 to 90 percent.
3. Breadth of clinical exposure
A residency affiliated with numerous health care facilities enables you to develop multiple diagnostic strategies and adapt to a wide variety of professional settings.
In this training environment, program administrators select from specialty services across the region to give you the best training opportunities available.
You’ll treat a broad patient base and learn a variety of protocols for delivery of care.
4. Variety of didactics
Your residency should provide you with an array of conferences, lectures, seminars and rounds that supplement your hands-on training. These meetings and lectures should generate discussion and keep you informed about current obstetrics and gynecology research.
5. Research possibilities
Research experience is one component of a strong residency program, so it’s critical that faculty in your program actively engage in obstetrics and gynecology research and have a solid track record of mentorship and collaboration.
Choose a program that allows you to pursue independent research interests and get involved in designing and performing studies. Your residency should teach you about the publication process and encourage you to present your research at national meetings.
You’ll benefit from a larger selection of research opportunities if your program’s teaching faculty is comprised of physicians with various areas of expertise.
Our department is recognized for the caliber of our research and our prolific authorship — expertise that we gladly share with all of our residents.
6. Comfortable living environment
Residency is a demanding chapter in your career. Don’t compound your stress by choosing a program in an expensive, unfriendly city.
Instead, look to a city that promises you a high quality of life.
Can it boast affordable housing? Is it easy to get around?
Does if have wealth of cultural and recreational attractions? A thriving dining scene?
Whether you’ll be living with your family, a partner or alone, a region with a strong sense of community will make you feel at home from the moment you arrive.
