Riverside Regional Medical Center Program

The Riverside Regional Medical Center Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program is a community-based training program located in Newport News, Virginia. This program is designed to address the needs of a large, diverse, and medically underserved patient population. Since its inception, the program has continuously evolved since the 1950s and has maintained ACGME accreditation since 1971. As a community hospital-based program, Riverside serves as a critical healthcare provider in the area, facilitating an average of over 2,400 deliveries annually.

The program is nurtured by strong support from hospital administration, a dedicated faculty including both hospital-based and private practice OB/GYN specialists, and resources aimed at creating a comprehensive educational environment.

Curriculum Structure

The curriculum of the Riverside OB/GYN residency is aimed at providing residents with maximum exposure to clinical practice combined with a robust didactic foundation. Each academic year consists of 13 blocks, with each block lasting 4 weeks. The rotations are structured throughout the four years of training, encompassing various essential areas:

• First Year Rotations: OB/GYN, Ultrasound, Special Care Nursery, and SICU/Ambulatory GYN.
• Second Year Rotations: OB/GYN, Gynecologic Oncology, REI, and Electives.
• Third Year Rotations: Gynecologic Oncology, Electives, and OB/GYN.
• Fourth Year Rotations: Gynecologic Oncology, OB/GYN, and Electives.

Each resident is expected to engage in a research project that will culminate in a presentation during the annual Resident Research Day, reflecting the program's commitment to evidence-based practice and lifelong learning 1.

Clinical Rotations and Training Sites

The program offers a diverse and immersive learning experience with clinical rotations facilitated in several training sites. Riverside Regional Medical Center is a 450-bed community hospital equipped with a Level III NICU and comprehensive specialty services. The facilities include:

• 12 labor and delivery rooms, 4 antepartum rooms, and private postpartum rooms.
• Dedicated operating rooms for surgical training.
• An off-site clinic facility housing educational resources, including examination and ultrasound rooms.

The residents rotate through these clinical settings, ensuring exposure to a wide spectrum of obstetric and gynecologic pathologies 2.

Simulation Training Lab

Riverside's simulation training lab encompasses diverse clinical areas designed to enhance the educational experience. The lab features:

• A Medical/Surgical/Intensive Care Ward.
• A Labor & Delivery Room.
• An Emergency Medicine/Trauma Bay.
• A Procedural Skills Suite.

This comprehensive approach allows residents to hone their clinical skills through various simulation modalities and technologically advanced educational resources 3.

Research Opportunities

The program encourages residents to engage in research activities, with access to necessary support and resources. Each resident is mandated to participate in a research project, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation. The faculty assist residents in submitting their work for publication and presentations at professional conferences, with funding provided for attendance to these events 4.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The Riverside Regional Medical Center Residency Program offers visa sponsorship options for eligible international medical graduates (IMGs), ensuring a supportive pathway for those who require such assistance. The program values a diverse applicant pool and promotes a residency environment that welcomes residents from various backgrounds, including DOs and IMGs 5.

Historically, the program has been considered competitive, yet accessible, particularly for those who may not have traditional academic backgrounds. An important aspect includes the completion of two months of US clinical rotations to foster applicants' understanding of the American healthcare system 6.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit applications through ERAS, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, USMLE Board Scores, photo, and clinical rotation documentation. A maximum two-year cut-off for medical training completion is imposed, after which candidates must demonstrate active involvement in clinical settings 7. The program conducts a thorough review process and interviews applicants virtually, emphasizing a structured and fair selection process.

Salaries and Benefits

The program provides competitive salaries across the four years of residency, beginning at $60,772 for first-year residents and advancing to $69,397 in the fourth year. Additional benefits include malpractice insurance coverage, health insurance options, paid vacation, and reimbursement for educational resources and conferences 8.

Resident Life and Community

Life as a resident in Riverside's OB/GYN program not only involves rigorous training but also offers a supportive community environment. The Newport News area features robust cultural, recreational, and historical opportunities, alongside accessible local amenities. Residents are encouraged to engage in a balanced lifestyle, supported by various wellness initiatives throughout the training program 9.