University of Pennsylvania Health System/Pennsylvania Hospital Program

Welcome to the Pennsylvania Hospital Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program, a prestigious four-year postgraduate training program situated in Philadelphia, part of the University of Pennsylvania Health System. The program comprises 24 residents, with six in each year, and has maintained continuous accreditation from the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) since 1955, alongside fulfilling requirements set by the National Residency Review Committee (RRC) 1.

The residency curriculum is structured to provide comprehensive clinical and didactic training across all aspects of women's health care, incorporating fields such as obstetrics, gynecology, family planning, primary care, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, maternal-fetal medicine, human genetics, and urogynecology 1.

Program Overview

The program emphasizes the importance of creating a stimulating environment for learning where residents can cultivate both clinical and academic skills. The values reflect a commitment to intrinsic motivation, promoting the idea that every resident aspires to excel for both personal satisfaction and patient welfare. This philosophy is foundational to the educational experience 1.

Clinical Experience

Each year, residents engage in extensive clinical rotations, starting from the first year (PGY-1), which features a laborist model of care with two attending physicians overseeing the labor and delivery floor. This system enhances collaboration and learning, thereby improving patient safety 1. The volume of cases is significant, with over 5,000 deliveries annually and residents actively involved in both outpatient and inpatient care.

Rotations and Responsibilities

Residents undergo various rotations through the duration of the program:

• PGY-1: Obstetrics (2 months), Gynecology (2 months), Night Float (2 months), Ambulatory Clinic (2 months), and Off-service rotations including ICU and inpatient medicine 2.
• PGY-2: Management of intrapartum patients and participation in major abdominal surgeries, including rotations in maternal-fetal medicine and gynecologic oncology (2 months each) 3.
• PGY-3: Increased surgical exposure with rotations including Gynecologic Oncology, and opportunity for a call-free elective, which can include international experiences or research 4.
• PGY-4: Leadership opportunities in patient management and education of junior residents 5.

Research Opportunities

The program actively encourages residents to engage in research projects. Each resident is supported in exploring unique research questions, with faculty mentorship available across various subspecialties. This aspect is particularly important for those seeking to pursue fellowships post-residency 6.

Special Features

Unique to the residency program at Pennsylvania Hospital is the Harrison Fellowship, which offers financial support for residents seeking international medical exposure during their elective month 4. Additionally, the program provides structured access to state-of-the-art simulation resources for both obstetric and gynecologic emergencies, enhancing the practical skills of the residents 6.

Graduate Outcomes

Residents graduate with robust experiences that prepare them for various fellowship opportunities. Recent alumni have successfully matched into fellowships in reproductive endocrinology, maternal-fetal medicine, and generalist positions nationwide 7.

Application Process

To apply, candidates must have completed medical school and provide a passing score on USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX. Other application requirements include a medical school transcript, letters of recommendation (preferably from OBGYN faculty), and a personal statement 2. The program welcomes both MD and DO graduates and is known to be IMG-friendly, supporting mentioned visa types such as J-1 and H-1B 1.

Competitiveness

The residency program is competitive, seeking candidates who demonstrate both academic excellence and a commitment to women's health. The selection process values diverse experiences and backgrounds, aiming to build a team of residents ready to become leaders in the field of obstetrics and gynecology 1.

Resident Life

Residents enjoy a supportive learning environment and have access to various resources, including national meeting opportunities for those presenting original research. Vacation time allocations allow residents a balance of work and personal life 6.