University of Arizona College of Medicine-Phoenix Program

The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix offers a comprehensive OB/GYN residency program that is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), with an impressive track record of no citations since the last site visit in 2011. The program accepts nine residents annually and provides opportunities to work alongside fellows in Maternal Fetal Medicine and Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, enhancing the educational experience in a collaborative environment 1.

Application Process

The residency program accepts applications exclusively through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS), requiring applicants to be registered with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Applicants must present a valid passing score on either the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) Step 1. While the completion of USMLE Step 2 or COMLEX Level 2 is encouraged at the time of application, several other documents are also required, including a medical school transcript and a minimum of three letters of recommendation, with at least two from OB/GYN professionals 2.

For candidates who completed medical school outside the U.S., additional criteria include a successful ECFMG certification and at least one year of clinical training in a teaching hospital affiliated with a residency program in the U.S. Applicants must have graduated within the last two years and cannot have any failures in the USMLE exams. Notably, the program does not offer visa sponsorships, although J-1 visas are considered 2.

Curriculum and Rotations

The residency curriculum encompasses a diverse range of rotations, including core areas like Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Labor and Delivery, and OB Ultrasound. Fourth-year students can engage in rotations from June through March, and applications for these rotations must be submitted through the Visiting Student Learning Opportunities (VSLO) 3. The program also encourages residents to explore elective and selective blocks, supporting local, regional, and international experiences 4.

Research Opportunities

Every resident is mandated to complete a research project during their training. The program fosters projects in various interest areas, with a strong emphasis on quality improvement. Support for these research endeavors is provided by the department's research coordinator, and funding is available for residents to present findings at regional and national conferences 4.

Training Sites

Residents primarily train at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, which serves as both a clinical home and the flagship facility for the Banner Health network. This site boasts over 600 beds, 100 OB/GYN physicians, and an annual census of 5,000 births. Additionally, residents gain exposure at various affiliated hospitals, including Banner Desert Medical Center, Banner Estrella Medical Center, Phoenix Children's Hospital, and the Phoenix VA Medical Center, providing a well-rounded experience across diverse clinical settings 5.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The program emphasizes resident wellness and work-life balance, with administrative time off for fellowship interviews, conference attendance, and USMLE exams. Each resident accrues 20 days of paid time off per year along with financial support for travel to conferences and reimbursement for exam expenses 4. Furthermore, the program features an Integrative Medicine in Residency curriculum, allowing residents to explore complementary and alternative treatments, enhancing their education and skills 4.

Residency Culture

The mission of the residency program is to create an inclusive environment that mirrors the diverse community served by the institution, fostering both professional development and camaraderie among residents. Involvement in leadership and advocacy roles within organizations like ACOG and CREOG is also encouraged, providing residents with additional opportunities for growth 5.