USA Health Program

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at the University of South Alabama offers a comprehensive training experience in the field of women's health. Based in Mobile, Alabama, the program is recognized for its commitment to high-quality education, surgical training, and patient care across a diverse array of cases.

Program Overview

This four-year residency is structured to provide extensive exposure to obstetric and gynecologic care, highlighting the importance of early surgical experiences that residents encounter throughout their training. Residents gain hands-on experience at USA Health Children's & Women's Hospital and University Hospital, both equipped with advanced medical facilities such as a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit and a Level 1 trauma center. Each year, approximately 3,000 births occur at the Children's & Women's Hospital, allowing residents to work with a high volume of patients, many of whom present high acuity cases, further enriching the learning experience 1.

Curriculum and Training

The curriculum integrates clinical training with didactic education, structured around the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology (CREOG) objectives. Residents participate in weekly grand rounds, monthly morbidity and mortality conferences, and various didactic learning sessions. Special focus is given to surgical training, including robotic surgery competencies 1, 4. A unique aspect of the program is the 1:1 resident-to-faculty ratio, fostering mentorship and direct supervision by attending staff while encouraging residents to take the lead in their educational decisions.

Research and Scholarly Activity

The program emphasizes research as a critical component of residency training. Graduates are required to complete an original research manuscript and contribute to an interdisciplinary quality improvement project 7. Each year, the department hosts a Resident Research Day for residents to present their work and participate in discussions with faculty and external judges. Additionally, funding is available for residents to attend national conferences to disseminate their research findings 7.

Rotations

The residency offers various rotations across different specialties within obstetrics and gynecology, including maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and urogynecology. Residents also have access to experiences in community hospitals that complement their training. These rotations are designed to provide a well-rounded education in both surgical and non-surgical contexts, enhancing clinical reasoning and patient management skills 1.

Health Equity and Community Outreach

The program is deeply committed to addressing health disparities and promoting health equity. It offers residents in-house training to recognize the social determinants of health and integrate this knowledge into patient care 8. The residents engage with local Federally Qualified Health Centers to provide care to underserved populations, which enhances their understanding of community health and advocacy 8.

Resident Wellness

Recognizing the importance of mental and physical well-being, the program has established a comprehensive wellness initiative. This includes regular wellness activities, free meals, social events, and access to fitness facilities. In addition, a '5th Friday' system permits residents time off to handle personal responsibilities, contributing to a supportive environment 9.

Competitiveness and Application Requirements

The Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program is highly competitive and welcomes applications from both international medical graduates (IMGs) and D.O. candidates. Applicants must have a passing score on USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 to be considered for acceptance 2. Additionally, the program requires three letters of recommendation and a completed ERAS application by the designated deadline. Holistic review is applied to applicants to assess their varied experiences and personal narratives 2, 5.

Visa Sponsorship

The program offers visa support for eligible applicants. It is important for prospective residents to confirm the specific types of visas supported, typically including J-1 and H-1B visas for international medical graduates seeking residency in the United States 2.

Lifestyle and Community

Mobile, Alabama provides a vibrant community for residents, rich in culture, art, and recreational activities. As the birthplace of Mardi Gras, the city is lively with events and has beautiful coastal access, enhancing the quality of life for residents during their training 1, 5. Additionally, the residency program emphasizes camaraderie among residents, building lifelong friendships and professional relationships that support personal and professional growth.