McLaren Health Care/Greater Lansing/MSU Program

The Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program at McLaren Greater Lansing is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience for residents in the diagnosis and treatment of women's health issues. This residency program emphasizes a progressive approach, allowing residents to assume increased responsibility as they advance through their training, with a focus on direct surgical and obstetric experiences.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to provide a balance between obstetrics and gynecology, with a variety of core rotations. In the first year, residents complete non-ob/gyn rotations within the first six months to ensure continuity in their initial training on the obstetrical service. The following rotations are included:

• Obstetrics / Gynecology: 6 months
• Internal Medicine: 3 months (includes cardiology, critical care, or pulmonology aspects)
• Pediatrics / Anesthesiology: 1 month (newborn evaluation and resuscitation)
• General Surgery: 1 month
• Family Medicine: 1 month
• Ob/Gyn Ultrasound: A formal three-day ultrasound course and hands-on training experience.

Subsequent years focus more intensively on both obstetrical and gynecological practices, offering experiences in maternal-fetal medicine, family planning, gynecologic oncology, and female pelvic medicine. The training also includes hands-on simulation sessions, specifically with the da Vinci robotic system, which meets board certification requirements.

Didactic Learning

Residents participate in a daily morning report for case discussions and treatment planning. There is a dedicated protected didactic time every Wednesday morning, which covers high-risk cases, lectures from attending physicians, and a variety of educational materials such as ACOG bulletins and textbook reviews. This structured learning approach is integral to the educational philosophy of the program.

Application Process

Applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), and the required documents include:

• Completed ERAS application
• Curriculum Vitae
• Official medical school transcript
• Official COMLEX or USMLE scores
• Three letters of recommendation
• Letter from the medical school dean

The selection process is competitive. Candidates must have passed COMLEX or USMLE on the first attempt with minimum scores of 450 and 220 respectively. Additionally, applicants should be U.S. citizens, as the program does not sponsor visas. Completion of medical school within the last five years is also necessary for consideration.

Competitiveness

The residency program is highly competitive, focusing on selecting candidates who exhibit not only strong academic performance but a commitment to women's health. The program actively seeks U.S. medical school graduates but maintains a friendly stance towards DO and IMG candidates, recognizing the contributions diverse backgrounds can bring to the residency experience.

Research and Scholarly Activities

All residents are required to participate in scholarly activities, which may include quality improvement projects, original research, or case presentations. Each resident must submit a project for the Mid-MI Regional Research Day, fostering an environment where inquiry is encouraged within clinical practice. Senior residents must also contribute to the annual MSU SCS George W. Russian Memorial Research Day, showcasing their work in a collaborative academic setting.

Visa Support

The program does not provide sponsorship for any visa categories. Thus, it is imperative that applicants hold U.S. citizenship or a valid green card to be considered for admission to the residency program.

Training Sites

The primary training site is located in Lansing, Michigan, offering residents exposure to a diverse patient population and a comprehensive obstetric and gynecologic practice environment. This creates a robust opportunity for hands-on learning, mentoring, and collaboration with experienced faculty members.

Unique Aspects

The program's focus on progressive responsibility, direct surgical experience, and a supportive educational environment prepares residents to excel in their careers. The curriculum’s integration of simulation training and didactic components ensures comprehensive preparation for both board certification and clinical practice.