University of Hawaii Program

University of Hawaii Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program Overview

The University of Hawaii Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program offers a comprehensive training experience based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Founded in 1949 and affiliated with the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine, this program is unique as it is the only civilian OB/GYN residency in the state. Residents are trained in a range of clinical environments at major medical centers across Oahu, including Kapi`olani Medical Center for Women & Children, Queens Medical Center, Kaiser Medical Center, Pali Momi Medical Center, and Hilo Medical Center. These diverse settings allow residents to gain invaluable experience in caring for women from varied backgrounds and with differing medical needs.

The program promotes a robust education environment supported by philanthropic efforts which have raised over $8.3 million in the past five years. This funding goes toward research, visiting professorships, and educational resources aimed at fostering a strong foundation in obstetrics and gynecology.

Curriculum and Training Structure

The program's residency structure allows residents to start participating in hands-on procedures and patient care from the early stages of their training. Each academic year includes rotations in various obstetric and gynecological services, with weekly clinical conferences and didactic sessions evolving throughout the training.

Residents participate in clinical conferences, case discussions, and pathology meetings weekly, along with journals and tumor boards monthly. Annually, several visiting professors from across the mainland engage with residents in teaching sessions, enriching the educational experience.

Key features of the residency curriculum include:

• Morbidity and Mortality (M&M) Conferences: These educational sessions allow residents to engage in the examination of complex clinical scenarios in an open, non-judgmental setting.
• Research Commitment: The program emphasizes research through its Annual Resident Research Week, allowing residents to present their work and engage with experts in the field.
• Legislative Advocacy: Third-year residents are encouraged to attend the ACOG Hawaii Section Meeting and participate in local lobbying efforts, fostering a sense of advocacy for women's health in the community.

Clinical Rotations and Experience

The rotation schedule is designed to expose residents to a variety of clinical settings. Typical rotations for each year include:

• PGY-1: Includes rotations in Kapiolani Obstetrics, Gynecology, Night Float shifts, and OB Ultrasound, among others; establishing a strong foundational clinical experience.
• PGY-2: Expands on obstetrics and gynecologic experiences, with significant exposure to maternal-fetal medicine and reproductive endocrinology.
• PGY-3: Further specialty rotations, emphasizing gynecologic oncology and surgical interventions.
• PGY-4: More advanced rotations, including subspecialty clinics in urogynecology and high-risk obstetrics.

Training Sites

The program is centered at Kapi`olani Medical Center for Women & Children, a leading tertiary diagnostic and treatment center. Residents also train at three other affiliated sites allowing for broad exposure to different healthcare delivery systems.

Each clinic offers specialized outpatient services that provide routine and complex care, ensuring residents can fully engage with pregnant individuals as well as patients requiring gynecological surgery. The availability of Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) ensures residents gain experience working with underserved populations.

Application Process and Requirements

Applicants must submit their applications through the ResidencyCAS platform. The residency program is competitive; thus, foundational qualifications, including USMLE scores, letters of recommendation, and medical school performance evaluations, are heavily weighted in the selection process. Key requirements include:

• A temporary license to practice in Hawaii;
• Eligibility for the ECFMG certification for international medical graduates;
• Completion of specified training in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, and OB-GYN during prior residency.

Visa Support

The program supports J-1 visa sponsorship for international medical graduates, which allows them to conclude their training in the USA while fulfilling the immigration guidelines. There is no visa support available for H-1B visas.

Competitiveness and Special Requirements

The program is known for being highly competitive, valuing diverse educational backgrounds, including those from DO and IMG graduates. Specific requirements dictate that candidates must possess solid academic credentials, leadership traits, and a commitment to women's health advocacy. A cap on failed USMLE attempts may exist, although specific limits were not detailed.

Conclusion

The University of Hawaii Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program offers a vibrant and fulfilling training opportunity for aspiring OB/GYN physicians dedicated to the care of women in a culturally rich setting. In addition to a robust clinical experience, the program fosters research, advocacy, and community engagement.