Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program

The Washington University/B-JH/SLCH Consortium Program in Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery offers a dynamic residency program within the Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) specialty. This four-year program is designed to cultivate highly skilled obstetricians and gynecologists through an integrated curriculum that includes extensive clinical training, surgical experience, and research opportunities. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, wellness, and diversity, the program aims to create a supportive environment for all residents.

Curriculum Overview

The residency curriculum is comprehensive and multi-faceted, spanning the important areas of obstetrics and gynecology. The first two years focus heavily on inpatient experiences, while the latter half emphasizes outpatient care and subspecialty training. Educational components include:

• Obstetrics and Gynecologic Oncology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine
• Minimally Invasive Gynecology
• Urogynecology and Reconstructive Surgery
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Advocacy

Moreover, the program integrates wellness initiatives, providing residents with protected educational time to focus on personal development and self-care, which enhances overall training experience 1.

Clinical Experiences

Residents receive robust clinical training in a variety of settings, emphasizing both inpatient and outpatient care. Key training sites include:

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital
• Missouri Baptist Medical Center
• St. Louis Children’s Hospital

Each of these locations provides resident exposure to a diverse patient population and high-volume cases. Notably, the Barnes-Jewish Hospital handles around 4,000 deliveries annually, creating a rich learning environment for physiological and surgical procedures in OBGYN 2.

Research Opportunities

The program benefits from Washington University's reputation as a leading research institution. Residents are required to participate in research activities, culminating in a presentation at the Rothman Research Symposium. Support for research endeavors includes strong mentorship from faculty, access to institutional resources, and opportunities for publication in prominent journals 3.

Unique Aspects of the Program

The Washington University residency program is committed to inclusivity and diversity, offering a curriculum that includes specific training in diversity, equity, inclusion, and advocacy 4. Additionally, residents participate in community health initiatives and specialized clinics such as the care facility for pregnant patients with opioid use disorder, demonstrating the program's dedication to addressing contemporary health issues.

Training Sites

The residency program utilizes multiple high-caliber hospitals for clinical rotations. Imparting training at these facilities ensures residents become adept in high-volume, high-complexity clinical cases:

• Barnes-Jewish Hospital, home to full OBGYN subspecialties
• Missouri Baptist Medical Center, which provides a supportive community training environment
• St. Louis Children's Hospital, extending children's health services to the residents

These training sites collectively enhance the residents' hands-on experience and proficiency in managing a range of obstetric and gynecologic conditions 5.

Application Process

To apply to the program, candidates must submit applications through ACOG's specialty-specific application service, ResidencyCAS. The program is particularly competitive, accepting only nine new residents each year with a holistic review process 6. Applicants should provide three letters of recommendation, medical school transcripts, and USMLE or COMLEX exam scores. Additional information includes historical performance metrics, emphasizing the program's strong match success rates for fellowships post-graduation.

Visa Sponsorship and Competitiveness

The program supports both J1 and H1B visa applicants, making it accessible to international medical graduates seeking training in the U.S. The competitiveness of the program is underscored by its rigorous selection process and the strong track record of its graduates securing desired fellowship placements 7.

Additional Support and Resources

The program offers substantial additional resources, including dedicated mentoring for research, wellness programs, and a strong alumni network through the Dr. D. Michael Nelson Alumni Society. These resources are designed to enhance a resident's professional development and career progression 8.