Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program

The Dartmouth-Hitchcock/Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology offers a distinctive and comprehensive residency experience designed to prepare future leaders in the field of women’s health. The program combines hands-on clinical training with a strong emphasis on research, education, and community service.

Program Structure

Over a four-year residency, trainees gain a well-rounded education in both obstetrics and gynecology. The curriculum is structured to provide residents with a balanced mixture of inpatient and outpatient experiences, along with increasing levels of autonomy.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum is detailed and progressive:

• PGY-1: Involves rotations in obstetrics, benign gynecology, urogynecology, family planning, gynecologic oncology, and surgical intensive care, providing a solid foundation in various facets of OBGYN.
• PGY-2: Residents primarily rotate at the Catholic Medical Center in Manchester, spending time in outpatient care. This year emphasizes urban healthcare dynamics and includes rotations in gynecologic oncology and reproductive endocrinology.
• PGY-3: Designed to develop senior resident capacity, this year provides exposure to maternal-fetal medicine and additional surgical opportunities, as well as outpatient experiences.
• PGY-4: Focuses on honing clinical skills and preparing residents for independent practice, as well as initiating research projects that conclude with a presentation of findings.

Residents participate in diverse patient management and practice styles that enhance readiness for future practice.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages research engagement, requiring each resident to complete a scholarly project during their training. From literature reviews to quality improvement initiatives, residents have multiple avenues to explore topics of interest and present findings at national meetings. Mentorship is a crucial component, as each resident pairs with a faculty member to guide their research journey.

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the key highlights of the residency is its commitment to diversity and community health. The program strongly encourages the involvement of residents in outreach initiatives and is a leader in developing collaborative health models with nurse midwives and other advanced practitioners.

Additionally, the program features the Ryan Residency Training Program, offering comprehensive education on abortion and contraceptive care. Residents learn through direct clinical experience as well as structured didactics, preparing them for the complexities of reproductive health.

Training Sites

The primary training site is Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center (DHMC) in Lebanon, New Hampshire, known for its state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive services. Additionally, residents gain urban experience through rotations at the Catholic Medical Center, and there are multiple outreach clinics that serve underprivileged populations.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The residency program is selective, accepting applicants primarily from U.S. medical schools, but it is also supportive of qualified International Medical Graduates (IMGs). To apply, recent graduates within three years, passing USMLE Steps on the first attempt, and meeting clinical training requirements in the U.S. are essential criteria. The program does not sponsor H-1B visas; however, it provides J-1 visa sponsorship for qualified foreign national applicants.

Educational Conferences

To facilitate continuous learning, the residency program also incorporates a rich series of educational conferences, including Grand Rounds, morbidity and mortality reviews, and specific didactic sessions that align with various subspecialties. These conferences enhance the residents' clinical knowledge and foster collaboration among the trainees and faculty.

Life in the Community

Living in the Upper Valley region of New Hampshire and Vermont offers residents a picturesque setting with opportunities for outdoor activities, making it not only a place for professional training but also for personal growth. The vibrant local community provides a supportive environment for residents and their families.

Visa Support

The program sponsors J-1 visas for international medical graduates seeking training in the U.S. Candidates must have the necessary certifications as stipulated under the educational commission protocols.