University at Buffalo (Sisters of Charity) Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Sisters of Charity Hospital, affiliated with the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo, provides a four-year comprehensive training experience. Initially accredited by the ACGME in 1947, the program holds a four-year accreditation, consistently meeting ongoing ACGME requirements.

Residents are immersed in an environment filled with support from dedicated faculty who prioritize resident education alongside high-quality patient care. The program focuses on developing the medical knowledge, technical skills, clinical judgment, and professionalism essential for future Obstetricians and Gynecologists.

Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to gradually develop residents' competencies over four years. The first year emphasizes foundational knowledge and patient care basics. Residents begin mastering anatomy and physiology as it relates to obstetric and gynecological patients, working under the supervision of experienced faculty members during rotations in various essential areas, including neonatal intensive care and family planning.

In the second year, there is a keen focus on high-risk obstetrics, with residents gaining experience in ultrasound and maternal-fetal medicine. They learn to manage labor and delivery with increasing independence, all while receiving comprehensive training in skills necessary for obstetrics and surgery.

The third year broadens the residents’ scope, concentrating on gynecologic surgery, oncology, and reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Significant time is spent at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, engaging in advanced oncologic care.

The final year transitions into a leadership role, encouraging residents to refine their clinical and surgical skills while taking charge of care coordination for all patients they encounter.

Rotations and Teaching Sites

Residents mainly train at Sisters of Charity Hospital, a fully accredited, non-profit general hospital with robust facilities, including a high-volume labor and delivery unit that handles over 3,200 deliveries annually. Residents also train at the St. Joseph Campus and Mercy Hospital, where they partake in gynecological surgeries and gain hands-on experience under different surgical practices.

Sisters Hospital features a newly remodeled labor and delivery area, which includes modern obstetric facilities. The NICU caters to high-risk cases and promotes family-centered care.

Research Opportunities

Research is an integral part of the residency, encouraging residents to develop and undertake their clinical investigations. Faculty mentorship is available to help guide residents towards submitting abstracts for national conferences and developing publishable projects.

Unique Aspects of the Program

This program is distinguished by its commitment to personal and professional growth in a faith-based environment. The curriculum incorporates hands-on surgical training with advanced technologies, including laparoscopic and robotic-assisted methodologies. Moreover, the program facilitates a comprehensive educational experience through collaboration with residents from other specialties and medical schools.

Visa Support

The program provides visa support for International Medical Graduates (IMGs). The types of visas sponsorships include J-1 visas for those seeking to complete the residency program in the United States.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The program is competitive, welcoming both Allopathic (MD) and Osteopathic (DO) candidates. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate comprehensive academic background and clinical experience. Special considerations include a focus on candidates who align with the program values and commitment to community service. Specific application requirements may include completion of USMLE steps or COMLEX exams and a personal statement detailing their interest in the specialty.

Benefits

Residents enjoy several benefits, including four weeks of paid vacation, health and dental insurance, an educational stipend, and access to key resources like UpToDate and major textbooks pertinent to their training. Moreover, residents receive extensive training through dedicated modules designed for surgical simulation and skill proficiency assessments.

The combined effort from faculty and residents fosters a learning environment that not only teaches technical competencies but promotes well-being and resilience throughout the training journey.