Texas Tech University (Permian Basin) Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) in Permian Basin is a four-year program that was approved in 1988 and is accredited for four residents per year. The program is designed to provide comprehensive training and clinical exposure in both obstetrics and gynecology.

TTUHSC - Permian Basin serves as the main educational facility which includes classrooms, administrative offices, faculty offices, and various clinical specialties. The three-story clinic building encompasses ambulatory clinics for multiple medical fields including Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, Surgery, and Pediatrics, alongside Obstetrics and Gynecology. The TTUHSC facilities are located adjacent to Medical Center Hospital, which provides care for a predominantly indigent population, allowing residents to deal with a diverse array of high-risk and seriously ill patients. In addition to Medical Center Hospital, Midland Memorial Hospital also contributes to the residents' clinical education.

Curriculum and Rotations

The curriculum includes a variety of rotations to ensure a comprehensive learning experience throughout the residency. The educational program outlines the following rotations:

• Obstetrics - 2 blocks
• Gynecology - 2 blocks
• Night Float - 1 block
• ER/Sono - 1 block
• Midland (Ob/Gyn) - 1 block
• ICU/Midland - 1 block
• Gynecology/REI - 2 blocks
• Midland - 2 blocks
• FPMRS - 1 block
• Baylor Gyn Onc - 1 block
• Chief Obstetrics - 2 blocks
• Chief Gynecology - 2 blocks
• Elective - 1 block
• Board Review/Study - 2 weeks (including time at Baylor Medical Center in Dallas, Texas)

This diverse set of experiences ensures that residents develop a robust skill set essential for their future practice in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Salary and Benefits

Residents in the program receive competitive salaries along with a range of benefits, including:

• Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) fee coverage for educational materials.
• Payment for the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) written exam fee for senior residents.
• Expenses for annual CREOG In-Training Examination, mandatory for all residents.
• Funding for one conference per year to present scholarly activity, with significant involvement from residents required for the project.
• Meal stipends provided at affiliated hospitals.
• Laundry services for white coats.
• Access to sleeping quarters during on-call shifts.
• An iPad and case provided for educational purposes, subject to a maximum allowance per year.

Additionally, residents have access to faculty advisors for personal and academic support, as well as services from the Employee Assistance Program for confidential counseling.

Application Process

The application process for the residency program is managed through ERAS (Electronic Residency Application Service). Key points regarding the application include:

• Interviews for residency applicants will begin on November 1, 2024.
• All applications must be complete and submitted through ERAS.
• Three positions are available at the first-year level for graduates from accredited medical schools.
• Completing a comprehensive application that includes a CV, personal statement, medical school transcript, dean’s letter, and three letters of reference.
• Candidates must have passed USMLE/COMLEX Step 1, Step 2 CK, and Step 2 CS with specific cutoff scores (Comlex: 550; USMLE: 215).

It is important to note that no foreign medical school graduates are accepted, and no visas are sponsored by the program.

Competitiveness and Requirements

The Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at TTUHSC is highly competitive, primarily focused on U.S. medical school graduates. All USMLE/COMLEX exams must be taken within the last seven years, and there is no maximum graduation cutoff year. Applications are evaluated based on the recent success in examination scores, clinical experience, and recommendation letters that highlight the candidate's abilities in the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Research and Unique Aspects

Residents are encouraged to engage in research activities that can enhance their medical knowledge and contribute to societal health. Each resident's participation in scholarly activity is crucial and is supported by the residency program. Furthermore, the program's close ties with local hospitals afford residents unique learning opportunities in managing a wide variety of medical situations, further enhancing their training experience.