Carolinas Medical Center Program

The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center offers a comprehensive four-year residency program designed to cultivate skilled obstetricians and gynecologists. The program is fully accredited and prepares residents for certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Graduates emerge equipped to enter a general practice or proceed to fellowship training in specialized areas.

The residency operates under a cohort of six residents per year, facilitating a structured hierarchy that encourages learning and professional development through graduated responsibilities over the four years. The first year, PGY-1, includes rotations across various services, providing exposure to both obstetrics and gynecology.

Training and Rotations

Residents gain extensive clinical experience through high-volume patient interactions, including over 30,000 outpatient visits, approximately 3,500 staff deliveries, and substantial inpatient and outpatient gynecologic procedures annually at Carolinas Medical Center.

The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in multiple areas:

• Management of both normal and high-risk obstetric cases
• Labor and delivery supervision
• Minor surgical procedures alongside advanced ultrasound and genetics training
• High-risk obstetric management

Each residency year builds upon the last, honing skills and responsibilities. The first year focuses on core rotations that introduce essential skills and knowledge across obstetrics and gynecology, whereas subsequent years offer greater specialization and management opportunities across various subspecialties including maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and reproductive endocrinology.

Clinical and Research Opportunities

Atrium Health encourages residents to engage in clinical research throughout their training. This provides opportunities for residents to contribute to and learn from projects addressing current issues in women’s health. The program supports submissions to national conferences, showcasing research to broader audiences.

Unique Program Features

The program prides itself on a family-like environment that emphasizes support among residents and faculty. This community fosters collaboration and professional friendships, helping alleviate pressures often encountered in medical education.

Residents can engage in a well-structured mentorship program that allows them to receive guidance from experienced faculty, enhancing educational experiences while providing personal support as they navigate their residency journey. Additionally, the program integrates education on healthcare disparities and social determinants of health into its curriculum.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program actively promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. A dedicated committee implements various initiatives, including community discussions and educational activities that highlight the contributions of diverse populations to medicine.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program offers visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, assisting with H-1B and J-1 visa types. The competitive nature of the program attracts a diverse pool of applicants, and it remains friendly toward both DO and IMG candidates.

Application Criteria

Applicants should submit three letters of recommendation, including one from the OB/GYN department chair at their medical school. The program does not set a limit on failed STEP exams, reflecting its holistic approach to applicant evaluation. The high demand translates to approximately 960 applications annually for six entering positions, indicating the program's esteemed reputation.

Salary and Benefits

As of the 2024-2025 training year, salary for residents progresses from $65,304 in PGY-1 to $74,387 by PGY-4. In addition to competitive salaries, residents receive comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, vision insurance, and various allowances for educational resources and meals. Vacation time expands throughout the residency, culminating with four weeks for PGY-4 residents.

Conclusion on Training Environment

The training environment at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center is enriched with a supportive faculty, diverse clinical exposure, and extensive educational resources, making it an exceptional choice for residents pursuing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology.