Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Program

The Corewell Health – Grand Rapids/Michigan State University Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency program is a four-year program designed to provide comprehensive training in various aspects of obstetrics and gynecology, including maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, urogynecology, and gynecologic oncology. The program emphasizes operative laparoscopy and complex family planning education, with unique opportunities for rural surgical experience at affiliated regional hospitals. As clinical instructors for Michigan State University, residents also teach medical students, enhancing both their pedagogical skills and medical expertise.

Program Overview

This residency program merges the strengths of community and academic training centers, utilizing the facilities of Corewell Health Butterworth Hospital, a large tertiary center that handles over 8,000 deliveries annually and performs approximately 1,000 minimally invasive hysterectomies each year. Simultaneously, Trinity Health Saint Mary’s Hospital offers exposure to community-focused training, managing approximately 3,000 deliveries a year. Both hospitals feature level 4 NICUs serving as primary referral centers for complex obstetric cases, thus offering residents rich surgical and clinical experiences.

Postgraduate Year (PGY) Structure

The program spans four years, with structured PGY rotations:

• PGY-1: focuses on obstetrics, basic surgical skills, maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic surgery, and includes a NICU rotation.
• PGY-2: increases gynecological exposure, with rotations emphasizing maternal-fetal medicine and gynecologic oncology.
• PGY-3: predominantly focuses on gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, and urogynecology.
• PGY-4: residents serve as chief residents in obstetrics and gynecologic oncology, honing their administrative and surgical skills.

Surgical Training and Experience

Residents command significant hands-on experience, performing over 300 vaginal deliveries and more than 340 cesarean sections throughout their training—both averages surpassed national benchmarks. The program provides extensive training in ultrasonography, operative gynecology, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). The MIGS rotation during the fourth year emphasizes advanced laparoscopy and robotic surgery, crucial competencies for modern obstetricians.

Academic and Research Opportunities

Corewell Health fosters research engagement, requiring residents to complete a research project with opportunities for financial support through the scholarly activity support team. Residents present their research in institutional research days, which further enriches their educational journey.

Didactic Education

Didactic learning is integral to the program, featuring a managed schedule of educational conferences including grand rounds, morbidity and mortality conferences, and specialty lectures. Protected time each Wednesday allows residents to focus entirely on their educational development, ensuring exposure to a variety of subjects in obstetrics and gynecology.

Application Requirements

Applications are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program employs a holistic review of all applicants. Requirements include:

• Minimum USMLE or COMLEX scores reflective of the program's competitive nature, typically a class average of 248/COMLEX 665.
• No more than one attempt to pass any step of the examinations.
• Three letters of recommendation and a dean's letter.
• International medical graduates must be ECFMG certified and eligible for J-1 visa status.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support, allowing the sponsorship of J-1 visas for international medical graduates, which is essential for those needing work authorization in the U.S.

Resident Life and Community

Residents of the program have the opportunity to live in Grand Rapids, a vibrant community known for its culture, diversity, and recreational activities such as hiking, dining, and enjoying local events. Furthermore, the program strongly emphasizes resident support and well-being, promoting a cohesive environment among faculty and peers.

Salary and Benefits

The residency provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, including educational stipends, ensuring that all residents receive the support necessary for success during their training.