Brooklyn Hospital Center Program

The Brooklyn Hospital Center Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology offers a comprehensive four-year residency training program focusing on the fundamental aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. This program consists of a cohort of 16 residents, with four residents in each year of training, allowing for a close-knit community that fosters both personal and professional growth.

The residency program is structured around a diverse clinical experience, with approximately 30% of obstetric cases involving at-risk or high-risk patients. Residents are trained across various subspecialties, including maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, gynecological oncology, and critical care. Each subspecialty clinic is led by a board-certified expert, providing residents with exposure to the latest technologies and best practices, allowing for extensive learning opportunities within the field 1.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is designed for progressive skill development, with structured feedback and mentorship from assigned faculty and the program director facilitating the learning process. Residents gain hands-on experience in both obstetrical and gynecological procedures, preparing them to either pursue fellowships or practice independently as specialists upon completion of the program 1.

Throughout their training, residents will rotate primarily in Family Medicine and Internal Medicine during their first year, followed by emergency medicine and critical care exposure during the second year. The third year provides opportunities for elective rotations and research, while the fourth year offers chief resident responsibilities, in which residents lead and teach junior colleagues 4.

Research Opportunities

The program places a strong emphasis on research, assigning a preceptor/mentor to each resident to guide their research projects. Residents are required to complete and present a research project during their fourth year at the Chief Resident Research Day. Additionally, opportunities exist for residents to participate in conferences to present papers and posters on their findings 6.

Application Process

To apply to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, candidates must submit their applications through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The completed application must be sent by October 1, and all applicants are required to complete the Casper Suite assessment, which evaluates communication skills and non-cognitive competencies relevant to the residency training environment 3.

Minimum application criteria include graduation from an accredited medical school, submission of official USMLE or COMLEX scores, and at least three letters of recommendation from faculty familiar with the applicant’s clinical performance. The program is competitive; thus, scores from standardized examinations are a consideration during the selection process. Specifically, the program seeks candidates who demonstrate strong professional behavior and a commitment to providing quality healthcare, especially in underserved communities. Applicants seeking visa support must be aware that the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visa types 3.

Unique Features of the Program

One of the unique features of the program at Brooklyn Hospital Center is the emphasis on resident wellness, with monthly wellness activities integrated into the didactic curriculum. These activities range from physical fitness classes to mindfulness sessions, ensuring that residents maintain a healthy work-life balance during their training 5.

Additionally, the program adapts to its residents' needs, providing a jeopardy coverage system that allows residents to maintain their research activities while ensuring adequate patient coverage during absences 4.

Competitiveness and Diversity

The program is known for being competitive but remains welcoming to diverse candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds. This diveristy enriches the training environment, reinforcing the program's commitment to community medicine and serving an economically diverse patient population. The selection process emphasizes candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences that align with the values of the institution 3.

Graduation Requirements

Graduation from the program entails successful completion of all clinical rotations, acquisition of necessary procedural skills, as well as successful research presentation. Additionally, residents are expected to achieve certification in the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) and participate in various educational activities over their training 4.