SUNY Upstate Medical University Program

SUNY Upstate Medical University's Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program has been designed with a commitment to training future physicians who are skilled in comprehensive and evidence-based care in obstetrics and gynecology. Established in 1952, the program currently hosts a total of 20 residents distributed equally among four postgraduate years. The residency offers varied experiences across multiple clinical sites in Syracuse, New York, and is recognized for its robust academic and training environment.

Program Mission

The program's mission is to cultivate high-quality OBGYN professionals skilled in inpatient, surgical, and ambulatory care. With a focus on integrity and continuous professional development, the program aims to foster lifelong learners, educators, and leaders in OBGYN. The resident mission echoes this vision, emphasizing a collaborative and supportive environment where diverse backgrounds come together to achieve shared academic and personal goals 1.

Clinical Sites and Facilities

The residency training encompasses a variety of clinical environments including:

• University Hospital: A 350-bed facility staffed by full-time and clinical faculty, hosting outpatient and research facilities.
• Crouse Hospital: A 600-bed private facility with a significant affiliation with the program, focused chiefly on obstetrics rotations.
• Additional Sites: Training occurs at various locations including Upstate Community Hospital, Madison-Irving Medical Center, and the Nappi Wellness Institute 1.

Rotations are designed to provide a balanced experience that includes both community hospital settings and tertiary care services.

Curriculum and Didactics

The curriculum adheres to ACGME standards and is structured to facilitate gradual responsibility for patient care as residents progress through the training program. Didactic sessions occur every Friday morning and cover various educational topics such as Grand Rounds, morbidity and mortality discussions, and simulation training, enriching residents' learning experience with both faculty-led and peer-led components 3. The curriculum also emphasizes evidenced-based medicine and critical evaluation of medical literature as part of the educational approach.

Research and Scholarly Activities

Residents are required to complete a Quality Improvement project and are encouraged to engage in extra research alongside faculty mentorship. Various fields of research available include Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal Fetal Medicine, and Family Planning. Presentation opportunities at departmental and regional events provide platforms for residents to showcase their work 8.

Evaluations and Competency

Resident performance evaluations occur at the end of each rotation, and a combination of operational performance, patient satisfaction, and peer evaluations contributes to the assessment of competency and promotion eligibility. Regular feedback through Med Hub and semi-annual review meetings fosters continuous improvement and professional growth 4.

Application Process and Competitive Nature

To apply to the residency program, applicants must submit a comprehensive application through the ResidencyCAS, including a personal statement, letters of recommendation from OB/GYN faculty, medical school transcripts, and USMLE scores. The program welcomes all qualified applicants and takes into account the totality of an applicant's qualifications without strict cutoff scores for examinations 2. The program does sponsor both J-1 and H-1B visas, making it accessible to international applicants who meet the criteria. Applicants must ideally not exceed two years since graduation from medical school 10.

Resident Benefits and Time Off Policies

Residents enjoy a supportive environment with benefits such as malpractice insurance, health coverage options, and 20 paid vacation days per year. In addition to vacation, provisions for sick leave and personal days are included to ensure resident well-being 9.

Living and Working in Syracuse

The program is located in Syracuse, New York, a city known for its affordability and rich outdoor recreational activities. With close proximity to state parks and lakes, residents can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities. Cultural experiences abound with local theaters and amenities, making Syracuse an inviting place for residency training 11.