Ochsner Clinic Foundation Program

The Obstetrics & Gynecology Residency Program at Ochsner is a fully-accredited, four-year program designed to equip residents with comprehensive training in both obstetrics and gynecology. Each resident undergoes training under the supervision of experienced faculty, balancing rigorous clinical experience with education across diverse care settings. The program emphasizes residency education through an environment that fosters academic growth, technical proficiency, and the well-being of residents, responding to their needs for personal and professional development.

Six categorical residents are accepted each year, ensuring a robust cohort that supports intimate learning experiences and fosters a sense of community. Graduates of the program often pursue diverse careers, including academic positions, fellowships, and roles within private practice. To become board certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, residents must meet all necessary performance and educational criteria throughout their training1.

Clinical Experience

Clinical rotations in this residency program are structured to meet the defining learning objectives of obstetrics and gynecology. The first-year residents, or interns, predominantly train at the Ochsner Baptist facility, engaging in various hands-on experiences, including delivering babies and performing gynecological surgeries. They participate in rotations that include labor and delivery, general gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and more, also incorporating night float shifts and community outreach at Leonard Chabert Medical Center2.

As residents progress to their second and third years, their responsibilities are elevated. They lead services during high-risk obstetric rotations and manage more complex surgical cases. Chief residents play a vital role in overseeing teams, handling senior-level decision-making, and tailoring elective rotations to best fit their interests within the field. This structured approach ensures that all residents develop proficiency across a wide range of obstetric and gynecologic care management2.

Educational Framework

The program follows the 13th Edition of the CREOG Educational Objectives to shape its educational curriculum. Regular conferences encompass a variety of topics, including morbidity and mortality analyses, mock board preparation, and research presentations. Residents receive evaluations through systematic feedback, and they have access to many learning resources and wellness activities aimed at fostering a healthy work-life balance. Specific benefits include opportunities to present at conferences, engagement in research, and departmental social events like graduation celebrations and wellness retreats to enhance camaraderie within the program4.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the residency program at Ochsner. The program emphasizes evidence-based medicine, where residents can engage in projects, journal clubs, and workshops designed to enhance their research skills. The expectation is for residents to produce at least one first-author publication, contributing actively to the body of knowledge in obstetrics and gynecology. They are encouraged to present findings at local, regional, and national conferences, with faculty mentorship available to guide them through research study design and data interpretation8.

Resident Support and Mentorship

A robust mentorship program pairs residents with faculty and more senior residents, fostering an environment where mutual support and career guidance are prioritized. This initiative is aimed at promoting personal and professional development and preventing isolation during critical residency years. Through networking and shared experiences, residents learn to navigate challenges effectively, focusing on holistic wellness, personal achievement, and leadership development within the specialty7.

Program Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Ochsner Ob/Gyn residency program is considered competitive, particularly for USMLE scores, with a holistic review process in place for applications. The evaluation includes assessments based on letters of recommendation, personal statements, and prior clinical experiences. The program welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including potential DOs and IMGs, ensuring broader representation within its cohorts. Application guidelines specify no maximum failures on USMLE Steps as they value resilience and growth in candidate profiles6.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa sponsorship for eligible candidates, specifically for those in need of J-1 visa support. This facilitates diverse international applicants to join the program, enriching the educational experience and multicultural insight shared among residency cohorts5.

Training Sites

Training takes place across multiple state-of-the-art facilities, including the Ochsner Baptist campus, a fully accredited 182-bed hospital renowned for its comprehensive pediatric and adult care. Residents also gain experience at the Leonard J. Chabert Medical Center, which further diversifies their training by incorporating community-based health challenges and specialty services in a supportive environment9.