Ascension St Vincent Hospital Indianapolis Program

The OB-GYN Residency Program at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital is dedicated to developing resident physicians into proficient providers of primary health care for women. This fully accredited program by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) accepts five residents each year across its four-year training framework, allowing residents to obtain extensive practice in various aspects of women's health care.

The program offers a high volume of Obstetrics and Gynecology cases, which enriches the training experience through exposure to general OB-GYN practices and specialized areas including Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility, and Urogynecology. In particular, St. Vincent Women’s Hospital serves as the central hub for inpatient obstetrics, where residents also benefit from providing primary care at the Joshua Max Simon Primary Care Center, which logged over 22,500 visits last year,1 showcasing a robust patient base that enhances hands-on learning opportunities.

Program Structure and Environment

The program emphasizes mutual respect and collaboration between faculty and residents, fostering a community-oriented learning atmosphere. St. Vincent Hospital is part of a larger values-based alliance with Ascension Health, which emphasizes compassionate and holistic patient care, rooted in core values such as Service of the Poor and Integrity. Residents are encouraged to appreciate patients not only from a clinical perspective but also in consideration of their emotional and spiritual needs.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is both competency-based and tailored to different residency years. The first year (PGY-1) focuses on foundational knowledge and primary care experiences, while the second and third years (PGY-2 and PGY-3) allow for the application and deepening of this knowledge through more substantial clinical responsibilities. By the fourth year (PGY-4), residents are expected to perform in a junior faculty capacity, with teaching and supervisory roles during rotations.4

Typical rotations span five weeks and take place across diverse facilities on the Ascension St. Vincent campus. The program also includes unique Global Health Opportunities in Honduras and India, which residents can access based on scheduling and availability. Furthermore, the program prioritizes ongoing education with structured didactic sessions, regular workshops, and simulation training at the state-of-the-art Ascension St. Vincent William K. Nasser Simulation Center.5

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The Ascension St. Vincent OB-GYN Residency Program is competitive and aims to select well-qualified applicants. The program accepts international medical graduates (IMGs) who are within five years of graduation and requires proof of prior U.S. clinical experience as well as sponsorship of J-1 visas only.2 A strong academic record is emphasized, with current residents averaging scores of 225 in both Step I and Step II of the USMLE.2 Therefore, prospective residents are encouraged to possess demonstrated excellence in their academic and clinical performances.

Salary and Benefits

This residency program offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package, promoting both wellness and educational advancement for its residents.3

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of education within the program. Residents in their second year are expected to take part in Quality Assurance projects presented during didactic sessions, while the program also hosts an annual Resident Research Day, showcasing the clinical research conducted by the residents during their training.6

Community and Resident Life

Indianapolis, where the program is located, offers a thriving social scene enriched by various professional sporting events, festivals, and a burgeoning culinary landscape. Residents are housed in multiple neighborhoods within a commute of less than 30 minutes to the hospital, fostering work-life balance. Opportunities for social connection, wellness activities, and mentorship are integral to life in this residency program, allowing residents to participate actively in the community while maintaining their professional aspirations.4

Women's Health Clinic

The Joshua Max Simon Primary Care Center provides a full-service outpatient women's health clinic, focusing significant attention on underserved populations. The clinic incorporates services ranging from routine to high-risk pregnancy care, employing innovative models such as CenteringPregnancy, wherein patients benefit from group prenatal care that not only improves engagement but has shown to reduce preterm birth rates among participating individuals.8