Tower Health/Reading Hospital Program

The Tower Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, hosted at Reading Hospital, is designed to provide an extensive education in women's health through a combination of rigorous academic training and diverse clinical experiences. The program operates as an independent academic institution, allowing residents to engage with programs that emphasize patient care, procedural volume, and academic achievements.

With a strong faculty dedicated to teaching, the program facilitates robust collaborations with institutions such as the Drexel University College of Medicine and the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, enhancing learning opportunities through valued rotations and clinical engagement.

Program Features

The residency program is structured around several core educational components:

• Faculty Mentorship: Residents are guided by experienced faculty who foster a supportive learning environment. Regular educational sessions—including a daily protected time for education—are crucial for advancing medical knowledge and skills.1
• Robust Research Opportunities: Each resident is required to complete at least one research project, allowing for active participation in academic contributions and presentations. Research projects are mentored by faculty who specialize in various areas of obstetrics and gynecology.1
• Innovative Simulation Curriculum: Tower Health provides access to an onsite cadaver lab and state-of-the-art simulation labs where residents can practice minimally invasive surgery techniques and gain confidence in surgical procedures.1
• High-Volume Clinical Experience: With over 3,500 deliveries each year, the program exposes residents to a variety of obstetrical cases and procedures, including an active maternal-fetal medicine service.1

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency follows a structured rotation schedule ensuring that residents progressively increase their clinical responsibility and autonomy. This includes various subspecialty rotations in gynecology, obstetrics, and additional areas such as reproductive endocrinology and gynecologic oncology. Educational sessions integrate didactic lectures and collaborative learning experiences with neighboring departments including pathology and radiology.2

Research Initiatives

The program encourages residents to engage actively in research, culminating in a formal presentation at the annual Resident Research Symposium. This initiative allows residents to receive feedback from invited experts while honing their skills in research design and data analysis.3

Application Requirements

The application process is competitive, allowing five PGY-1 resident positions annually. Candidates must apply via the ResidencyCAS, submitting a comprehensive portfolio including:

• Common Application Form
• CV and Personal Statement
• USMLE or COMLEX Step scores
• Medical school transcripts and a minimum of two letters of recommendation from faculty

While there is no maximum cut-off for years since graduation, preference is given to candidates with recent clinical experiences or post-graduate training in the United States.4

Visa Support

The program offers visa sponsorship options for international medical graduates, specifically supporting J-1 visas. This ensures that qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds can apply and participate in the residency program without facing barriers related to immigration status.

Competitiveness

The Tower Health Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency is recognized as highly competitive. The program is dedicated to producing competent graduates capable of excelling in various medical settings and is particularly friendly to both DO and IMG candidates, fostering an inclusive environment.

Facilities and Resources

Residents have access to comprehensive facilities, including:

• A dedicated resident workstation and lounge
• Library services with extensive medical literature and research support
• Simulation lab featuring a Noelle Birthing Simulator
• A fitness center with gym access for residents

As part of their training, residents will participate in numerous surgical procedures, allowing for a well-rounded surgical education in both inpatient and outpatient settings. This hands-on experience positions graduates effectively for various paths in their future medical careers.