Maimonides Medical Center Program

Overview of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) residency program at Maimonides Medical Center is designed to provide comprehensive training and education for residents, preparing them to excel in a variety of OB/GYN subspecialties and general practices. Central to the program's reputation is its commitment to high clinical volume, diverse patient demographics, and a curriculum that integrates both hands-on training and academic rigor. Residents experience rich clinical exposure in one of New York's busiest labor floors, handling nearly 6,000 deliveries annually. The program emphasizes both obstetric and gynecologic surgeries, ensuring that its graduates are well-rounded and fully equipped to treat a wide range of medical conditions.

Curriculum Structure

The residency curriculum is structured across four years, with significant time allocated to core rotations in obstetrics, gynecology, and subspecialties:

• PGY 1: 16 weeks OB, 18 weeks GYN, 8 weeks Night Float, 2 weeks SONO-Simulation, 2 weeks ED, and 2 weeks Outpatient OB/GYN Subspecialties clinic.
• PGY 2: 8 weeks Antepartum, 12 weeks GYN, 2 weeks GYN subspecialties, 8 weeks Night Float, 4 weeks Family Planning, 4 weeks Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, 2 weeks Research, 4 weeks SICU, and 4 weeks Outpatient Antepartum.
• PGY 3: 8 weeks OB, 12 weeks GYN, 12 weeks Night Float, 4 weeks Outpatient Antepartum, 4 weeks Family Planning, 2 weeks Research, and 2 weeks GYN/Breast elective.
• PGY 4: 8 weeks OB, 20 weeks GYN, 4 weeks Night Float, 8 weeks Gynecologic Oncology, and 8 weeks Urogynecology.

Each academic year includes four weeks of vacation to allow residents time for rest and rejuvenation. The educational curriculum includes significant opportunities for research and a strong simulation component, allowing residents to practice procedures in a controlled environment.

Research Opportunities

Maimonides encourages residents to engage in research throughout their training. Regular small group meetings are held to discuss ongoing projects, refine hypotheses, and guide residents through methodological approaches and IRB submissions. Residents have dedicated research blocks in the second and third years to advance their personal research projects and have shown significant success in presentations at both local and national conferences.

Training Sites and Clinical Exposure

The residency program takes place at Maimonides Medical Center, which serves a diverse population, providing residents with a rich variety of clinical experiences. The Center’s dedication to integrative care includes access to advanced facilities for obstetric and gynecological procedures, as well as a nurturing environment for high-risk pregnancy management. Residents also benefit from a robust midwifery program and work alongside experienced clinicians across multiple specialties.

Unique Aspects of the Program

Maimonides' OB/GYN program offers several distinctive features that enhance the residency experience. Notably, the program integrates a Ryan Program in Family Planning, providing specialized training in reproductive health issues. Additionally, the presence of a Certified Simulation Center allows residents to practice scenarios and enhance their skills in a safe and educational context.

Moreover, the program supports resident wellness by dedicating time quarterly to activities focused on personal wellness, including meditation and fun activities.

Visa Support and Requirements

The program supports both J-1 and H-1B visa sponsorships for international medical graduates. However, obtaining an H-1B visa requires passing Step 3 by match day, while Step 2 CK passing scores are strongly encouraged to enhance competitiveness. The program considers applicants favorably who have US clinical experience. Although there are no strict minimum score requirements for USMLE exams, applicants with multiple attempts may face increased scrutiny regarding their performance.

Competitiveness and Application Expectations

The Maimonides OB/GYN residency is regarded as a highly competitive program. While it welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, including those from DO and IMG backgrounds, prospective applicants should highlight their strengths in clinical experience and academic performance. The program emphasizes an overall evaluation of applications, aiming to assess the capabilities of each candidate comprehensively.

Application Process

The application process requires suitable candidates to submit their applications through the ResidencyCAS system, including three letters of recommendation, a dean’s letter, transcripts, and USMLE/COMLEX scores. Applicants should be aware that pre-interview communication is discouraged, and the program does not engage with prospective applicants until interview invitations are extended. Following interviews, no additional communication is anticipated except for formal correspondence regarding rankings.