Dignity Health East Valley Program

Overview of the Dignity Health East Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program

The Dignity Health East Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program is dedicated to training residents in a supportive and inclusive environment. The program emphasizes a mission-focused approach, intertwining compassionate care with community commitment. It handles high volumes of both low-risk and high-risk obstetric cases and offers advanced minimally invasive gynecology training, including a complex EMIGS curriculum. Safety and quality are paramount, with novel didactic sessions that prioritize patient safety and healthcare quality improvement.

This program incorporates a culture of scholarship through a structured innovative research curriculum and mentorship that utilizes a detailed 13-step roadmap to scholarly activity. It places a significant focus on the wellness of both residents and faculty, ultimately shaping residents to become competent, independent practitioners of high-quality, safe, and equitable obstetric and gynecological care.

Curriculum and Rotations

The program features a robust curriculum designed to offer comprehensive exposure across multiple aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. During the course of the four-year residency, residents will rotate through various specialties with a total of distinct placements:

• PGY-1: Obstetrics (3), Gynecology (3), Emergency Department (1), Family Planning (1), Sonogram/Simulation (1), Night Float (2), EQuIPS (1)
• PGY-2: Obstetrics (3), Gynecology (2), Minimally Invasive Gynecology (2), Night Float (2), MFM outpatient (1), SICU (1), REI (1)
• PGY-3: Obstetrics (3), Gynecology (2), Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (1), GYN-Oncology (1), Family Planning (1), Night Float (3), Elective/Research (1)
• PGY-4: Obstetrics (3), Gynecology (2), Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery (2), GYN-Oncology (2), Minimally Invasive Gynecology (1), Night Float (2)

The curriculum also includes a structured didactic schedule with multiple academic conferences, protected time for research activities, and simulation training sessions focused on both gynecological and obstetric emergencies.

Research Opportunities

Residents engage in a structured research curriculum designed to foster scholarly activities through hands-on experiences. Each resident is expected to complete a structured roadmap throughout their training, culminating in presenting their research at various conferences. By the end of the residency, participants are required to accomplish several scholarly outputs, including but not limited to, submitting articles to peer-reviewed journals or participating in quality improvement projects.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Dignity Health East Valley program stands out for its commitment to social justice and healthcare disparities, as reflected in its comprehensive EQuIPS curriculum—focusing on equity, quality improvement, and patient safety. Residents will interact with the local community through health initiatives and are expected to advocate for the vulnerable populations they serve.

Moreover, the program emphasizes a culture of empathy, inclusion, integrity, excellence, and collaboration, aiming for an educational environment that not only focuses on medical training but also fosters a sense of community.

Training Facilities

The residency training takes place at state-of-the-art facilities, including the Mercy Gilbert Medical Center and Chandler Regional Medical Center, which boast advanced medical technologies and a member of the community's health network. The newly constructed Women’s and Children’s Pavilion at Mercy Gilbert supports a high volume of obstetric and gynecological services, providing comprehensive care in one location.

These training grounds ensure that residents gain valuable clinical experiences while utilizing the latest in medical technology.

Visa Support and Application Requirements

The program sponsors J-1 visas, which can be pivotal in facilitating residency for international medical graduates. Furthermore, the application process is competitive, and while the program supports diversity, it does uphold high standards for applicants, including residency application materials, letters of recommendation, and performance in relevant examination prerequisites.

Culture and Community

Upon entering the East Valley program, residents are met with a welcoming environment that encourages collaboration and open communication among peers and faculty. The program promotes a balance between professional and personal well-being, emphasizing work-life balance and incorporating flexible Fridays into its structure.

Above all, the program strives to develop a cohort that mirrors the diverse patient populations it serves in the community.