Saint Joseph Hospital Program

The Saint Joseph Hospital OB-Gyn Residency Program is a well-established and reputable training program that has been in existence since 1949, making it the oldest OB-Gyn residency program in Denver. With over 4,000 deliveries each year, Saint Joseph Hospital is known for being one of the busiest OB-Gyn units in the region. The program combines a community feel with significant academic exposure, facilitated by a diverse patient population that presents a wide range of interesting and challenging cases. In recent years, graduates of the program have successfully entered fellowship training in various subspecialties, including minimally invasive surgery, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, urogynecology, family practice, and maternal-fetal medicine.

Program Highlights

One of the most significant advantages of training at the Saint Joseph Hospital OB-Gyn Residency Program is the breadth of clinical experience available to residents. They have direct contact with numerous OB-Gyn practitioners and enjoy a high volume of GYN surgical cases. The program emphasizes minimally invasive surgical techniques, providing residents with comprehensive training in vaginal, laparoscopic, and robotic surgery. Fourth-year residents participate in dedicated rotations focused on minimally invasive surgery to refine their laparoscopic skills. The program boasts upgraded DaVinci XI robotic surgery consoles that facilitate hands-on robotic training, especially beneficial for urogynecology and oncology cases.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum is aligned with the core educational objectives outlined by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is designed to equip residents with the ability to address the general healthcare needs of women, manage pregnancy, and navigate the female reproductive system. The training includes both inpatient and outpatient experiences, where residents are expected to manage high-risk obstetric patients and participate actively in deliveries.

An important component of the program is its advocacy work. Residents have opportunities to engage in legislative advocacy at local and national levels, including participation in Colorado’s Lobby Day. Residents advocate for various women’s health issues, lobbying on topics such as maternity leave legislation and improving access to contraceptive coverage. This advocacy is strengthened through partnerships with organizations like ACOG Colorado, which sponsors residents to attend national conferences.

Training Environment

Saint Joseph Hospital partners with Kaiser Colorado, enabling residents to care for Kaiser patients across multiple settings, including hospital facilities, clinics, and ambulatory surgical centers. Residents also gain invaluable experience working alongside private practitioners, further preparing them for future career options. Additionally, they provide backup to the Certified Nurse Midwife group, allowing residents to enhance their skills in high-risk pregnancies.

Application Process and Requirements

Admission to the OB-Gyn Residency Program is highly competitive. Applicants must have successfully passed the USMLE or COMLEX Step 1, as the program does not accept COMLEX scores. Applications are submitted via ResidencyCAS, with interviews typically scheduled during the months of November and December. Essential documents for application include a personal statement, a dean's letter, a medical school transcript, USMLE Step 1 scores, and three letters of recommendation—one from a board-certified OB-Gyn physician is mandatory. Applicants with postgraduate training are required to provide a letter from the program director. Furthermore, residents need to be licensed by the State of Colorado by the end of their second year of training.

The program encourages applicants to complete additional assessments through Acuity Insights, which will aid in evaluating various competencies pertinent to successful candidates.

Resident Life

The Saint Joseph Hospital residency program is characterized by a family-oriented culture. Residents often participate in social events together, enhancing camaraderie outside of clinical settings. Traditions within the residency include dedicated class weekends, post-night shift brunches, and annual retreats that foster connections among residents and faculty. These traditions contribute to a supportive atmosphere, ensuring residents maintain a balance between work and personal life.

Visa Support

For international medical graduates, the Saint Joseph Hospital OB-Gyn Residency Program offers visa sponsorship, facilitating entry into the United States for training purposes. Typically, the program sponsors J-1 and H-1B visas, allowing residents from abroad to participate in the residency training.

Competitiveness

This OB-Gyn residency is recognized as highly competitive, attracting applicants from various backgrounds, including U.S. graduates, international medical graduates (IMGs), and DO graduates. The program prioritizes candidates with strong academic records and relevant experience.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage for residents and their families, a 401k retirement plan, malpractice insurance, and paid time off. Moreover, an education fund is available to support the professional development of residents.