Stony Brook Medicine/University Hospital Program

The residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Stony Brook University, part of the Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony Brook University, is designed to offer a comprehensive and rigorous academic training experience. This four-year accredited program is structured to develop well-rounded, competent obstetricians and gynecologists. With five residents per year, the program provides an environment conducive to both personal and professional growth, highly favored for its collegial atmosphere and robust educational offerings.

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum consists of clinical rotations, didactic lectures, and hands-on training. The program emphasizes the acquisition of essential medical knowledge while also fostering critical thinking and evidence-based practice. Each resident is expected to complete one formal research project during their training, presenting their findings at the annual Resident Research Day.

Residents begin their first year (PGY-1) with a two-week orientation to Labor and Delivery, followed by rotations that last five weeks each across various services such as Obstetrical Service, Benign Gynecology, and Obstetrical/Ultrasound Service. The second and third years build on this foundation, with increased responsibility and complex patient management. By the fourth year, residents assume chief responsibilities and refine their skills further in specialty areas.

Rotations

Throughout the four years, residents experience a diverse array of clinical settings. They will engage in rotations including Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, and reproductive endocrinology. Notably, the program includes two elective rotations in the 2nd and 3rd years, allowing residents to pursue research or explore specialty interests, enhancing their training significantly.

Research Opportunities

The program's commitment to research is evident, with opportunities for residents to work alongside experienced faculty members on academic projects. Stony Brook University ranks as a leading research institution, encouraging residents to engage actively in research endeavors, which may often culminate in publications or presentations at national meetings.

Simulation Training

Simulation is a vital part of the residency program, with resources like the Clinical Skills Center and the Surgery Skills Lab available for residents to practice surgical techniques and patient management scenarios. The program uses both high-fidelity obstetrical simulators and laparoscopic training tools, providing practical exposure to various clinical scenarios, reinforcing learning before managing real-life situations.

Didactics and Conferences

Weekly conferences cover clinical care and serve as a formal didactic teaching program. Residents participate in lectures on pathophysiology, ethics, practice management, and surgical workshops, ensuring that they remain current with evolving practices and guidelines in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Key components of this educational framework include grand rounds, journal clubs, and specialized conferences tailored to the different subspecialties.

Continuity Clinics

Continuity clinics are incorporated into the program, allowing residents to manage their own cases under the mentorship of experienced faculty. Each resident has designated continuity clinics scheduled weekly, reinforcing their clinical practice and patient interaction capabilities.

Global Health Component

The program includes an emphasis on global health, notably through the Global Women’s Health initiative, which allows residents to engage in international rotations, such as those in Mozambique. The initiative aims to improve women's health and access to care in underserved areas, providing residents with unique perspectives on global health issues.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

Stony Brook’s residency program is competitive and welcomes graduates from both U.S. and international medical schools, though there is a preference for candidates from U.S. medical schools. Applicants should meet the minimum requirements detailed on the residency program's application page.

Special application considerations include the need for three letters of recommendation, one of which should preferably be a Chair’s letter, as well as the necessity of submitting USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 scores. While the program is friendly towards DOs and IMGs, a strong academic background and relevant clinical experiences enhance an applicant’s competitiveness.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for qualified international medical graduates (IMGs) needing sponsorship to train in the U.S. The typical types of visas the program sponsors include J-1 and H-1B visas, which cater to non-immigrant training programs.

Salary and Benefits

The program offers competitive salaries for residents, which as per the latest data, are higher than the 75th percentile regionally and nationally. Notable benefits include paid memberships to professional organizations like ACOG, access to educational resources, and financial support for conference-related travel.

Stony Brook University’s dedication to improving health education and outcomes distinctly positions its residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology as a leading choice for aspiring obstetricians/gynecologists seeking a comprehensive training experience.