Rochester General Hospital Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Rochester General Hospital is designed to cultivate proficient physicians with the essential skills, knowledge, and confidence required to practice independently in the field of obstetrics and gynecology. The program is rooted in a robust educational framework which includes didactic education, simulation training, experiential learning, mentoring, and opportunities for research.

Rochester General Hospital functions as the primary referral center within the Rochester Regional Health system. This 528-bed tertiary care facility boasts a Level II NICU that provides care for infants starting from 32 weeks of gestation. The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology garners referrals from a network that encompasses 14 counties and four hospitals, ensuring that residents have access to a diverse patient population and ample clinical exposure.

Curriculum and Educational Activities

The educational framework of the residency program includes several critical components. For instance, residents are expected to complete and present a research project by their third year. This project is showcased during the Resident Research Day event held annually in May, where faculty members evaluate and provide feedback on the projects presented by the residents 1.

Residents partake in a weekly didactic schedule that is safeguarded as protected time. This time is leveraged for various educational activities, including Grand Rounds, interactive learning sessions, CREOG quizzes, lab simulations, tumor boards, and board preparation. Didactic sessions occur every Wednesday from 8 AM to 1 PM, ensuring uninterrupted time for academic pursuits 2.

Simulation and Skills Training

The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning. Residents gain valuable surgical skills through simulation labs such as the Sahler Animal Lab, which offers opportunities to practice open, laparoscopic, and laser surgical techniques. Robotics training is also an integral part of the curriculum with residents learning through both web-based and in-lab experiences 3.

Clinical Rotations

Throughout the residency, various clinical rotations are designed to provide comprehensive training. Key rotations include:

• Perinatology and High-Risk Obstetrics: Residents participate in diagnostic procedures and manage high-risk pregnancies under direct supervision of Maternal-Fetal Medicine specialists 4.
• Reproductive Endocrinology: In this rotation, residents engage with in vitro fertilization and assisted reproductive techniques, allowing for extensive exposure to infertility surgery 5.
• Gynecologic Oncology: The program provides residents opportunities to learn surgical procedures while managing critically ill patients 6.
• Gynecologic Surgery: With a substantial surgical volume, residents exceed the ACGME minimum standards, being trained in both open and laparoscopic techniques 7.
• Electives: Each resident is permitted a four-week elective during their third year, allowing for personalized career exploration and experience 8.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Research is a vital component of the residency program. Each resident is allocated specific time dedicated to research activities in their third year. This includes time for finalizing ongoing projects, initiating new ones, or assisting with the research of other faculty and residents 9.

Diversity and Inclusion

The Rochester Regional Health system fosters a culture of diversity and inclusion within its residency program, aiming to empower all team members to express themselves authentically. The commitment to diversity is regarded as essential in enhancing the health and wellness of the staff, patients, and the broader community 10.

Visa Sponsorship

The residency program supports visa sponsorship including J1 and H-1B visas. In instances where an H1-B visa cannot be secured, applicants must be prepared to accept a J1 visa 11.

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

Applicants must apply through the ResidencyCAS application service and participate in the NRMP matching process. The program welcomes graduates from accredited U.S. and Canadian medical schools, as well as those from non-accredited institutions who possess a valid ECFMG certificate 12. The program does not impose a maximum limit on the years since graduation, screening candidates based on overall qualifications and clinical experience instead.

Benefits and Compensation

Residents enjoy a variety of benefits, including paid vacation, professional liability insurance, wellness programs, and support for conference attendance. Salaries for the year 2023-2024 begin at $70,000 for PGY-1 residents and increase with each year of residency 13.

The Rochester General Hospital's Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program prepares its residents not only for clinical excellence but also for leadership roles in the community and healthcare system.