University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga Program

The University of Tennessee College of Medicine at Chattanooga offers a comprehensive four-year residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology, featuring four residency positions at each training level. This program has a significant affiliation with Erlanger Health System, the sole Level 1 Trauma Center in the region, a Perinatal Center, and a Tertiary Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The Obstetrics and Gynecology departments at Erlanger Health System perform approximately 6,000 deliveries and over 5,000 gynecologic procedures annually, which allows residents to gain extensive clinical experience throughout their training 1.

The academic faculty consists of dedicated professionals who work closely with residents daily. The faculty serves a broad array of specialties including General Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology, Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology, Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, and Urogynecology. With an emphasis on mentoring, all faculty are primarily based at Erlanger Health System, where residents benefit from 24-hour in-house faculty supervision 1.

Curriculum and Rotations

The educational curriculum is structured around the guidelines established by the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG). Residents receive continuous outpatient experience in general obstetrics and gynecology throughout their four years of training. Initial rotations focus on establishing fundamental clinical knowledge through core experiences in obstetrics, gynecology, and outpatient clinics. First-year residents also engage in a GYN Oncology rotation, while the second year expands into subspecialties such as Reproductive Endocrinology and Gynecologic Oncology 1.

By the third year, residents take on more advanced roles with subspecialist mentors, maintaining core rotations and gaining detailed experience in areas such as Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery and Urogynecology. The final year of training includes administrative and educational chief responsibilities, providing an opportunity for leadership experience while supervising junior residents 1.

Research Opportunities

Research is a cornerstone of the residency experience at the University of Tennessee. Residents are actively engaged in clinical and basic science research, receiving substantial support from faculty research staff at the University. Residents are encouraged to publish their findings and present research at national and international conferences 1.

Simulations and Skills Development

The program places a strong emphasis on surgical skills and simulation training. The newly renovated Surgical Skills Lab is open 24/7 and provides residents with educational opportunities to practice skills vital for surgical competency. A dedicated curriculum guided by ACGME standards ensures all residents have access to fundamental and advanced training, preparing them for real-world scenarios 1.

Professional Development

The program supports residents' professional development through funding provided for educational materials, board review courses, and attendance at regional and national meetings. Furthermore, they encourage individual continuity clinics and provide formal education on billing and coding, thereby preparing residents for a successful transition into practice 1.

Visa Support and Competitiveness

The program is open to applicants requiring visa sponsorships. It can sponsor J-1 visas for international medical graduates. The program prides itself on being competitive but is also accessible to a varied pool of applicants, including those from osteopathic and international backgrounds. Preference is given to those currently in medical education, particularly candidates who rank within the top 25% of their class 2.

Application Requirements

Applicants to the residency program must complete their degree at a Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) accredited institution, AOA accredited schools for DO applicants, or hold a valid ECFMG certificate. There are no strict time limits on prior medical education, and the program does not have a minimum score threshold for the USMLE/COMLEX, although higher scores strengthen an application. Only two letters of recommendation and a Dean's letter are requisite parts of the application 2.

Diversity and Inclusion

The program strives to foster an inclusive environment, actively recruiting diverse candidates and employing non-discriminatory policies in alignment with both institutional ethos and state law. This reflects the program's commitment to exceptional training alongside community and health equity 1.

Graduation Outcomes

Graduates of the program have a notable track record of entering prestigious fellowships and contributing significantly to women's health both regionally and nationally. The culmination of the training prepares residents to be leaders in the field of Women’s health, ready for a variety of career paths, including pursuing fellowships in various subspecialties 1.