Orlando Health Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency program at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies is recognized as one of the premier programs in the nation, integrating a dedicated faculty and resident team with a large, diverse patient population. This program aims to provide a comprehensive educational experience in a high-volume, high-acuity environment, ensuring residents are well-prepared for their future careers.

With a mission to educate, inspire, and mentor budding obstetricians and gynecologists, the program emphasizes the importance of integrating current medical practices with innovative teaching methodologies. Residents benefit from a culture of mentorship, emotional support, and professional development to foster their growth into competent and compassionate physicians 1.

Curriculum and Training

The residency program spans four years and is accredited for seven positions at each level. It provides extensive surgical experience in both OB and GYN cases, with a focus on creating adaptable and skilled primary surgeons from the onset of training. Residents have the unique opportunity to work alongside academic faculty and private practice physicians, which allows them to gain valuable clinical experiences across a wide spectrum of cases, enhancing both their technical and decision-making skills 1.

The resident experience is further enriched through several specialized tracks, including the Global Health Track, which focuses on OB/GYN training outside the U.S., and a dedicated Fetal Care Center that provides advanced fetal surgery capabilities. Additionally, the program is particularly known for its Women's Intensive Care Unit (WICU), which bridges the gap between high-acuity obstetric needs and intensive care 1.

Training Sites and Facilities

Primary training occurs at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital, a state-of-the-art 350-bed facility that prioritizes women’s health. The hospital features several specialized units, including:

• Women's Triage: As one of the busiest OB/GYN emergency rooms in the U.S., the 34-bed triage unit evaluates and treats a diverse array of patients, allowing residents to develop their clinical skills in high-pressure situations.
• Labor and Delivery: This unit handles over 14,000 deliveries annually, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning during all stages of childbirth, including surgeries.
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: The largest NICU in the nation, providing vital exposure for residents to complex neonatal cases which significantly contributes to their training.
• Gyn Surgery: Home to eight surgical suites and a focus on minimally invasive techniques, this unit allows for a high volume of GYN cases, ensuring residents master various surgical modalities.

The program's collaborative environment is bolstered by a faculty-to-resident ratio of approximately 2:1, ensuring ample mentorship and individualized teaching is available at all times 1.

Research and Scholarly Activity

Active engagement in research is a hallmark of the program, where residents are encouraged to partake in various scholarly activities. The focus on evidence-based education inspires residents to evaluate and enhance patient care actively. Collaborative research initiatives, particularly in areas like placental disorders and advancements in fetal interventions, allow opportunities for residents to contribute meaningfully to their fields 1.

Application Process and Requirements

The residency program is highly competitive and actively encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds, including international medical graduates. Prospective residents must submit applications through the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) and ResidencyCAS, with requirements including:

• Completed applications including CV, medical school transcripts, and a minimum of two letters of recommendation (ideally including one from an OB/GYN faculty member).
• Successful completion of USMLE Step 1 and 2 or equivalent.
• For international medical graduates, ECFMG certification is required prior to application.

Interviews are conducted virtually, and the program maintains strict adherence to integrity and confidentiality throughout the application process 1.

Visa Support

The program offers visa support for residency candidates. While specific visa types and support details typically depend on individual circumstances, the program generally sponsors the J-1 visa for international medical graduates during residency training 1.

Competitiveness

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency program at Orlando Health is noted for its competitiveness, making it an attractive option for applicants who seek a rigorous training environment. The program prides itself on inclusivity, catering to both U.S. graduates and international medical graduates, and maintains a commitment to fostering diversity within its ranks 1.

Unique Aspects

One of the program's standout features is its commitment to global health, providing residents with experiences that resonate beyond traditional clinical settings. This aligns with the hospital's overarching goal of community engagement, allowing residents to address medical needs locally and globally 1.