UPMC Medical Education (Harrisburg) Program

Mission Statement

The UPMC in Central Pennsylvania Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program is dedicated to training exceptional physicians committed to lifelong learning. The program emphasizes delivering comprehensive, high-quality, evidence-based patient care for women and families, tailored to meet the community and regional needs 1.

Overall Program Goal

The essence of practicing obstetrics and gynecology entails a commitment to both professional and personal growth. The overarching goal of this four-year training program is to provide residents with the clinical experience necessary for the evaluation, diagnosis, and management of various obstetric and gynecologic conditions. The program is structured to foster the development of independent and competent professionals in the specialty, gradually increasing responsibility aligned with each year of training 1.

About the Program

UPMC Harrisburg's Ob-Gyn Residency is an ACGME-accredited program, comprising four residents per class, guided by a dedicated team of 16 core faculty and over 25 clinical faculty members participating in resident training. The program supports specialized fellowships, including Maternal Fetal Medicine, Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery, Gynecologic Oncology, Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery, and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. It also includes a curriculum focused on modern robotics applications.

With over 4,300 deliveries per year, including around 1,250 cesarean sections, the program boasts a robust clinical experience. Residents participate in over 800 hysterectomies annually, with only 15% being performed abdominally. The program also involves over 600 laparoscopic gynecologic cases and approximately 200 operative hysteroscopy cases annually. Core clinical training occurs at UPMC Harrisburg, with rotations at additional sites including UPMC Lititz, UPMC West Shore, UPMC Memorial, and UPMC Carlisle, allowing for a tailored clinical learning experience based on the individual resident's goals 1.

Curriculum Overview

The residency program curriculum is structured across four years, focusing on diverse clinical rotations:

PGY-1 Rotations

• Obstetrics (3 months)
• Gynecology (3 months)
• Internal Medicine – Outpatient
• Emergency Medicine
• Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Ultrasound
• Breast Care
• Night Float

PGY-2 Rotations

• Obstetrics (2 months)
• Gynecology
• Gynecology Oncology
• Office OB/GYN
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine (2 months)
• Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
• Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery

PGY-3 Rotations

• Obstetrics
• Office OB/GYN
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery
• Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (2 months)
• Gynecology Oncology
• Selective Rotation (within UPMC system)
• Elective Rotation (anywhere)

PGY-4 Rotations

• Obstetrics (2 months)
• Gynecology (3 months)
• Night Float
• Office OB/GYN
• Gynecology Oncology (2 months)
• Female Pelvic Medicine & Reconstructive Surgery (2 months)
• Selective Rotation (within UPMC system)

This comprehensive curriculum adheres to the current CREOG Educational Objectives and integrates aspects of professionalism, interpersonal communication, system-based practice, ethics, and health system sciences into its training framework 2.

Faculty and Support

The program's faculty includes a diverse group of dedicated professionals committed to resident education. This team plays an essential role in creating an environment conducive to learning while promoting scholarly activities such as resident research and quality improvement initiatives 3.

Application Requirements

Prospective residents must submit their applications through ResidencyCAS only, with all applications required by a specified deadline. Notably, there are no audition rotations or acting interns required, but applicants must provide three letters of recommendation, including a Chair letter if applicable. The program accepts both USMLE and COMLEX-USA scores, with no minimum score mandated. While ECFMG candidates are welcomed, the program currently does not support visa sponsorship 4.

Competitive Nature

The UPMC Ob-Gyn Residency program is characterized as highly competitive, with a specific focus on training and mentoring US medical graduates, including both DO and IMG candidates. The commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive training environment remains a cornerstone of the program's philosophy, aiding in attracting talented individuals from various backgrounds 4.