Lehigh Valley Health Network Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) is designed to cultivate highly skilled professionals capable of delivering comprehensive women's healthcare. The program spans four years and accepts six residents annually, ensuring a balanced and resource-rich training environment.

Program Mission and Structure
The mission of the program is to enable learners to excel in both academic and community settings or to further their education through subspecialty fellowships. With a mix of generalists, laborists, subspecialists, and midwives, the program boasts a faculty of over 50 members, committed to resident education in diverse clinical settings, addressing both physiologic and high-risk obstetrics, as well as advanced gynecologic care, especially in minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery. The curriculum also places emphasis on research, quality assurance, and public health within the framework of evidence-based medicine 1.

Curriculum Overview
The program's curriculum is structured over 12 blocks per year, providing extensive exposure to various clinical settings within LVHN hospitals and community healthcare organizations, such as Lehigh Valley Hospital—Cedar Crest, LVHN—Muhlenberg, and others. Residents engage in dedicated rotations focused on obstetrics, gynecology, maternal-fetal medicine, and more, including ambulatory clinics and research opportunities capped by a presentation of findings at the end of the third year 4.

The first year (PGY-1) primarily focuses on both obstetric and gynecological rotations, including a special emphasis on maternal-fetal medicine. In the second (PGY-2) and third years (PGY-3), residents delve deeper into specialized areas such as gynecologic oncology and perinatal care. The final year (PGY-4) offers hands-on leadership experiences and advanced rotations that prepare residents for practice upon completing the program 4.

Research Opportunities
The residency program encourages scholarly activities, with every resident required to undertake a research project during training. The research curriculum emphasizes the development of research skills through mentorship and collaboration. This holistic approach aims to strengthen competencies in research design, execution, and presentation 6. Notably, the department fosters a culture of inquiry through various committees and provides mentorship to support ongoing projects.

Resident Life and Supportive Environment
LVHN prioritizes the well-being of its residents through dedicated initiatives such as the “11th Hour” wellness program, which offers educational sessions on mindfulness, nutrition, and work-life balance. Moreover, residents receive mentorship through a structured community outreach program that allows them to engage with diverse populations while enhancing their clinical skills and knowledge 5.

Visa and Application Details
The program currently does not sponsor visas for international medical graduates (IMGs) or U.S. medical graduates. This presents a notable consideration for prospective residents, particularly IMGs looking to apply for residency 7. Applicants must fulfill certain application criteria, including the passage of USMLE or COMLEX Steps I and II, while clinical or research experience, although not mandated, is highly regarded.

Benefits and Support
In addition to the competitive salary and benefits provided by the GME-wide program, LVHN offers specific benefits tailored to obstetrics and gynecology residents. These include an educational resource allowance, funds for Step 3 exam fees, membership dues for professional organizations, and attendance at regional meetings 3.

Unique Program Attributes
Among its distinctive features, the residency program benefits from a robust simulation center and opportunities for specialized training, including robotic surgery techniques. Furthermore, the LVHN obstetrics and gynecology department strives for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, actively working to enhance representation among faculty and residents 4.