Main Line Health System/Lankenau Medical Center Program

Overview of the Obstetrics/Gynecology Residency Program

The Obstetrics/Gynecology Residency Program at Lankenau Medical Center, part of Main Line Health, has a history spanning over 50 years. The program comprises four post-doctoral years and is designed to provide comprehensive training to residents in various clinical settings. It includes a graduated level of responsibility, allowing residents to incrementally take on more complex duties throughout their time in the program. The active medical staff includes 41 obstetricians/gynecologists, of which 16 are faculty members who have completed residency training in this very program 1.

Curriculum

The curriculum is rigorous and covers multiple aspects of obstetrics and gynecology. Some highlights include:

• Family-centered obstetrics with over 2,800 deliveries annually.
• All residents participate in managing private and clinic patients, ensuring exposure to a large high-risk patient population.
• Residents benefit from extensive surgical training, including minimally invasive and robotic surgeries.
• Each resident has specific rotations in reproductive endocrinology, maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and female pelvic medicine throughout their training.

First-year residents spend three months each in gynecology and obstetrics, along with multiple other critical rotations that build foundational skills 1.

Training Sites

The residency program leverages various clinical settings for training, ensuring a well-rounded experience. Lankenau Medical Center boasts a state-of-the-art labor and delivery suite comprising 10 labor-delivery-recovery rooms and three operating rooms. The facility assures round-the-clock coverage with six perinatologists and a high-level nursery, augmenting maternal-fetal care 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency experience. Residents are expected to complete research projects overseen by faculty, which encompass a wide range of topics from case studies to clinical trials. The Lankenau Institute for Medical Research on-campus offers vital resources and support for these initiatives. A yearly Residency Research Day allows residents to present completed projects to their peers and faculty 3.

Visa Sponsorship

The program provides sponsorship for J1 and H1B visas for qualified international medical graduates, allowing them to participate in the residency training 1.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

This residency program is characterized by its competitive nature. Applicants must have graduated from medical school within the last five years and have clinical experience within the U.S., as observerships are not accepted. Specific academic thresholds for USMLE and COMLEX scores are also established; a minimum score of 220 on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 or 560 on COMLEX Level 1 and 2 for the first attempt is required. Additionally, while not mandatory, it is strongly recommended for osteopathic applicants to take USMLE Step 1 preparations 1.

Educational Environment

Education plays a central role, with structured academic time dedicated every week focusing on texts and lecture reviews intertwined with hands-on training. Monthly academic conferences and journal clubs foster continuous learning and professional development 1.

Diversity and Community Engagement

Main Line Health is committed to fostering an inclusive environment, upholding diversity and equity in healthcare. Residents are encouraged to participate in community projects and global health mission trips, providing exposure to medical practice in diverse settings 1.

Summary of Benefits

Aside from dedicated training and research opportunities, residents can expect competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. They gain experience in a diverse and vibrant community adjacent to Philadelphia, with access to a rich social and cultural environment, enhancing their overall residency experience 1.