Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University Program

The Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island/Brown University Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology is a prestigious four-year residency program fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This program offers a depth and breadth of training in both gynecological and obstetrical medicine and surgery, ensuring resident physicians receive comprehensive clinical exposure, academic support, and research opportunities in a warm and supportive environment.

Clinical Experience and Rotations

The residency program is structured around a variety of rotations that provide residents with the opportunity to care for patients under the supervision of a diverse team of hospital- and community-based faculty. The program emphasizes graduated autonomy in clinical practice. Residents participate in rotations that include general obstetrics, gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and others, ensuring they gain exposure to the full spectrum of obstetric and gynecological care.12

The residency includes rotations in specialized services like the Gynecologic Oncology team, enabling residents to learn how to diagnose and manage gynecologic cancers, while also performing surgeries. The high obstetric volume at Women & Infants Hospital provides residents with extensive experience in basic obstetrics, from prenatal care to delivery, including both normal and high-risk patients. This ensures that by the end of their training, residents are well-rounded specialists in obstetrics and gynecology.19

Curriculum and Educational Support

The educational curriculum utilizes a two-year rotating schedule of interactive, objective-based didactics supplemented by a flipped classroom approach, allowing residents to engage more deeply with the material. Simulation plays a vital role in training, including dedicated simulation days that focus on procedural skills and other key areas such as empathy training, wellness, and advocacy.33

Research is also highly emphasized within the program, with residents required to complete a research project and participate in a formal comprehensive research curriculum that includes journal club sessions. This fosters a solid understanding of research methodology, essential for a career in academic medicine.55

Unique Aspects of the Program

One of the distinguishing features of the program includes its strong advocacy initiatives. Residents are actively involved in advocacy efforts at both the state and national levels, and they play a key role in legislation impacting women’s health, such as the passage of the Reproductive Privacy Act.69

The program is also committed to creating a diverse workforce, focusing on the recruitment and retention of diverse candidates and fostering an inclusive environment. The Brown University minority housestaff association and various diversity initiatives help to support this commitment throughout the residency experience.64

Research Opportunities

The research opportunities offered by the program are robust, with membership in several grant networks, including Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units Research Network (MFMU) and the Pelvic Floor Disorders Network (PFDN). The department has demonstrated success in securing research funding, with notable amounts awarded for various projects, enhancing residents' scholarly pursuits.57

Application Requirements and Competitiveness

The program is competitive, welcoming both U.S. medical graduates, International Medical Graduates (IMGs), and Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) applicants. It requires a valid Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) certificate for IMGs, and applicants must be recent graduates (within the last five years). A minimum passing score on the USMLE Step 1 is required, and applicants should possess strong clinical and academic credentials, including recommendations and a personal statement.35

The program sponsors J-1 visas for eligible applicants and may consider H-1B visas for IMGs already holding sponsorship through another institution. This ensures that international applicants have adequate support throughout the application process.38

Resident Wellness

Recognizing the demanding nature of residency training, the program prioritizes the wellness of its residents. The Residency Wellness Committee organizes regular activities aimed at promoting emotional and mental well-being, including workshops, social events, and retreats designed to strengthen community connections among residents.45

Living in Providence, Rhode Island

Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, offers a vibrant and diverse community, renowned for its culinary scene, cultural activities, and quality of life. Residents typically appreciate the accessibility and diversity of the city, which enhances both personal and professional experiences during the course of training.70