Residency Advisor
Essential Questions to Ask for OB GYN Residency Success
Why Your Questions Matter in OB GYN Residency Interviews
In the obstetrics match, how you ask questions can be just as important as how you answer them. Thoughtful, targeted questions show programs that you understand the realities of OB GYN residency, that you’ve done your homework, and that you’re actively evaluating fit—not just trying to match anywhere.
This guide focuses on what to ask programs in Obstetrics & Gynecology: specific, high-yield questions to ask program directors, faculty, and residents, and how to adapt them to your goals (academic vs. community practice, minimally invasive surgery vs. MFM, etc.). You’ll also find sample phrasings so your questions come across as mature, professional, and insightful.
Use this as a working list to build your own interview questions for them—and as a checklist while you prepare for OB GYN residency interviews.
Strategy First: How to Approach Questions in OB GYN Interviews
Before diving into lists, it helps to have a framework for choosing and asking questions.
1. Clarify what you need to learn
In OB GYN, the same program can feel very different depending on your priorities. Before interview season, list your top 5–7 “non‑negotiables,” for example:
- Strong surgical training (laparoscopy, vaginal hysterectomy, C‑sections)
- Balanced obstetrics and gynecology exposure
- Support for fellowships (MFM, Gyn Onc, REI, MIGS, FPMRS)
- Resident wellness and schedule sustainability
- Diversity of patient population and case mix
- Location, family needs, partner job, etc.
Then design your questions to ask residency programs to probe these areas.
2. Aim for depth, not sheer quantity
Programs can tell when you’re reading down a generic list. Instead of asking 15 superficial questions, aim for 3–5 strong, specific questions per interview that:
- Show you’ve researched the program
- Invite honest, detailed answers
- Connect to your interests and goals
Example:
- Weak: “How is your surgical training?”
- Strong: “Can you walk me through how surgical autonomy progresses from PGY‑1 to PGY‑4, particularly for laparoscopic and vaginal hysterectomies?”
3. Match the question to the person
“What to ask program director” is often different from what you ask residents or faculty:
- Program Director (PD) / Associate PD
- Program vision, curriculum, evaluation, remediation, fellowships, future changes
- Residents
- Real schedule, culture, workload, faculty support, call, wellness, unfiltered experience
- Faculty / Division Chiefs
- Surgical opportunities, research, sub-specialty support, mentoring style
- Program Coordinator
- Logistics, benefits, schedules, housing, childcare, visa questions
Plan a few questions tailored to each group.
4. Use your questions to show fit
Your questions are an opportunity to subtly highlight your strengths and interests.
Instead of:
- “Do you have research?”
Try:
- “I’ve really enjoyed working on a quality improvement project to reduce postpartum hemorrhage at my home institution. How do residents here get involved in QI or clinical research related to obstetrics?”
Now your question both gathers information and markets your experience.
Core Questions to Ask Program Directors in OB GYN
This section focuses on what to ask program director and leadership during your OB GYN residency interview day. These questions are higher level and strategic; they help you evaluate training quality and the program’s trajectory.
A. Curriculum, case volume, and autonomy
“How has your curriculum evolved in the last few years, and what changes are you planning?”
- Shows you care about educational quality and adaptability.
- Listen for responsiveness to prior resident feedback and ACGME changes.
“Can you describe how surgical autonomy progresses across the four years of training?”
Follow‑up:- “By graduation, what kinds of cases are residents typically performing independently?”
- “How do you balance patient safety with graded responsibility?”
“How do you ensure residents meet minimum case requirements in key areas like C‑sections, hysterectomies, and operative vaginal deliveries?”
- Look for structured tracking, not “We always meet numbers; don’t worry about it.”
“How is the balance between obstetrics and gynecology structured across the years?”
- Especially important if you’re worried about being “too OB‑heavy” or “too clinic‑heavy.”
“How do you incorporate simulation into training, particularly for emergencies like shoulder dystocia, postpartum hemorrhage, and eclampsia?”
- Indicates safety and education culture.
B. Evaluation, feedback, and remediation
“How are residents evaluated, and how often do they receive formal feedback?”
Follow‑up:- “Is there a process for residents to review their performance data and milestones regularly?”
“If a resident is struggling—surgically, clinically, or personally—what support and remediation processes are in place?”
- Look for non-punitive, structured, supportive answers.
“Can you share examples of how you’ve responded when residents expressed concerns about training or culture?”
- This reveals how seriously leadership takes resident feedback.
C. Program culture and leadership philosophy
“How would you describe your vision for this OB GYN residency over the next 5 years?”
- You want alignment with your interests (e.g., growth of MIGS, expansion of L&D, new clinics).
“What do you see as this program’s biggest strengths and biggest areas for growth?”
- A thoughtful PD will openly acknowledge areas for improvement.
“What attributes do you value most in your residents?”
- Helps you see if your style matches what the program rewards (e.g., independence vs. team orientation).
“How do you foster a culture of safety and openness, particularly around adverse outcomes or near misses on L&D?”
- Watch for mention of M&M format, non‑punitive debriefs, and psychological safety.
D. Fellowship and career outcomes
“For residents who want fellowship, what support do they receive and what have recent fellowship matches looked like?”
- Ask for a recent graduates’ list if not already provided.
“For residents who plan to go directly into practice, how do you prepare them for independent OB GYN practice?”
Follow‑up:- “What types of jobs do your graduates typically take—academic, community, rural, hospital employed, private practice?”
“How involved is the program leadership in helping residents with career planning and networking?”
E. Major program changes and institutional stability
“Are there any anticipated major changes in the program—such as faculty turnover, hospital mergers, or restructuring of services—that could affect residents in the next few years?”
- You want transparency about transitions that might impact your training.
“How stable is the OB GYN department in terms of leadership and faculty retention?”
- High turnover can signal underlying problems.
High-Yield Questions to Ask OB GYN Residents
Residents are your best source of honest insight into daily life. During the obstetrics match, applicant impressions are often shaped most by these conversations.
Here are targeted interview questions for them—the residents—organized by theme.
A. Schedule, workload, and call
“What does a typical week look like for a PGY‑1? For a PGY‑3?”
- Ask about start/end times, weekday vs. weekend structure.
“How is night call structured, and how often are you on call at each level?”
Follow‑up:- “What does a typical call shift feel like on L&D vs. Gyn vs. night float?”
“Do you feel your workload is manageable, and do you have protected time for didactics?”
“Is the call schedule front‑loaded or more evenly distributed across the four years?”
- Helps you anticipate stress points.
“When you’re post‑call, do you actually get to go home on time?”
- A practical check on whether policies match reality.
B. Autonomy, supervision, and team dynamics
“Do you feel you have the right balance of supervision and autonomy, especially on L&D and in the OR?”
- Ask for concrete examples.
“How are relationships between residents and attendings? Is it generally easy to ask for help?”
“How do you handle high‑risk deliveries or major Gyn Onc cases—what’s the resident’s role?”
- Gives insight into exposure to complex pathology and your direct involvement.
“Are there particular rotations or services that are especially challenging? How do residents support each other through those?”
C. Surgical and procedural experience
“By the time you’re a PGY‑4, what cases do you feel very comfortable performing independently?”
“How is exposure to minimally invasive surgery—laparoscopic and robotic—distributed across the years?”
“How much hands‑on experience do juniors get in C‑sections, vaginal deliveries, and operative vaginal deliveries?”
“Do residents get dedicated gynecology ultrasound or family planning experience? How robust is that training?”
D. OB vs Gyn balance and subspecialty exposure
“Do you feel you get a good balance between obstetrics and gynecology?”
- Especially important at programs with very busy L&D services.
“How would you describe your exposure to subspecialties like MFM, Gyn Onc, REI, MIGS, and FPMRS?”
Follow‑up:- “Are there electives or away rotation options in those areas?”
“If you’re interested in fellowship, do you feel the program adequately prepares and supports you?”
E. Education, wellness, and culture
“How protected is your didactic time? Do you actually get to attend lectures, or are you frequently pulled away?”
“How receptive is leadership when residents bring up concerns about workload, scheduling, or curriculum?”
- Ask for a real example.
“How do you feel about the overall culture—do residents genuinely get along and support each other?”
“What do you do for fun as a program? Are there retreats, social events, or informal get‑togethers?”
“How does the program support resident wellness and mental health, especially with the emotional weight of OB GYN (perinatal loss, oncologic care, emergencies)?”
- Listen for more than “We tell people to take time off.”
“Have you ever considered leaving the program or specialty? If so, what made you stay?”
- A very revealing, but sensitive question; use it where you sense openness.
F. Living in the area and practical considerations
“Where do most residents live, and what is the commute like?”
“Is it realistic to have a partner or family here—with childcare, housing, cost of living, and call schedule?”
“If you had to choose again, would you pick this OB GYN residency program?”
- Ask this near the end of a conversation; it often brings out honest reflection.
Specialized Questions Based on Your Career Goals
You’ll stand out more in the obstetrics match if your questions show clarity about your future path, even if that path evolves later. Tailor your questions to ask residency programs based on your interests.
1. If you’re fellowship‑bound (MFM, Gyn Onc, REI, MIGS, FPMRS)
- “How involved are residents in subspecialty clinics and operating rooms, especially on MFM and Gyn Onc?”
- “How are fellowship‑bound residents supported during the application process—letters, research, networking, mock interviews?”
- “Do fellows ever compete with residents for cases, or is there a complementary structure?”
- “Can you share examples of residents who successfully matched into [your fellowship of interest] and what helped them stand out?”
For PD/faculty:
- “How do you ensure residents still get robust operative experience in services that also have fellows?”
2. If you’re planning community or generalist practice
- “How do you prepare residents for independent practice—especially with managing L&D, community Gyn surgery, and outpatient clinics?”
- “Are there community or rural rotations where residents experience real‑world practice settings?”
- “Do community attendings involve residents in practice management, coding, or business-of-medicine topics?”
- “What types of first jobs have recent graduates taken, and how did the program help them in that process?”
3. If you’re interested in academic medicine, research, or education
- “What protected research time is available, and how is it typically used?”
- “How many residents present at regional or national OB GYN conferences each year?”
- “Is there formal training in teaching or medical education for residents?”
- “Are there opportunities to be involved in medical student education, curriculum design, or simulation?”
4. If diversity, equity, and advocacy matter strongly to you
- “How does your program address health disparities in obstetrics and gynecology, especially maternal morbidity and mortality?”
- “What does the patient population look like, and how do residents gain competence in caring for diverse groups?”
- “Are there opportunities to engage in advocacy, legislative work, or community outreach?”
- “How diverse is the resident cohort and faculty, and what initiatives exist around recruitment and retention of underrepresented groups?”
How to Use Your Questions Effectively on Interview Day
Knowing what to ask is only half the battle. How you deploy your questions can significantly influence impressions on both sides.
1. Prepare a flexible “question bank”
Create a personal document with sections like:
- Program Director Questions
- Resident Questions
- Faculty/Subspecialty Questions
- Location & Lifestyle Questions
Under each, list 3–5 priority questions, plus some “optional” ones if time allows. Before each interview:
- Review the program’s website
- Remove any questions already answered clearly online
- Add 1–2 program‑specific questions
Example program-specific question:
- “I saw you recently opened a new women’s health center that includes midwifery services. How has that changed resident involvement in outpatient obstetrics?”
2. Avoid easily “Googleable” questions
Don’t ask:
- “How many residents per year do you take?” (on the website)
- “Do you have a night float system?” (likely in the program overview)
Instead, take what you know and dig deeper:
- “I saw you use a night float system. From a resident perspective, what are the pros and cons of that schedule here?”
3. Balance genuine curiosity with professionalism
Good questions:
- Are open‑ended ("How," "What," "Can you tell me more about…")
- Avoid sounding accusatory (“Why don’t you have…?”)
- Invite concrete examples (“Can you give an example of…”)
Example rephrasing:
- Instead of: “Do you overwork your residents?”
Try: “How do you monitor and address resident workload and duty hour compliance, especially on your busiest services?”
4. Listen actively and build on answers
Some of your best questions will be follow‑ups you didn’t plan. For instance, if a resident mentions a new rotation:
- “You mentioned the new community Gyn rotation. What has the feedback been from residents so far, and how do you think it’s changed your surgical experience?”
This shows engagement and emotional intelligence.
5. Save at least one strong question for the end
Most interviews end with: “What questions do you have for me?”
Have a go‑to “closer” that demonstrates thoughtfulness.
Examples:
To PD:
“What qualities have distinguished your most successful residents, and how do you see those qualities fitting with the direction of the program?”To residents:
“What’s one thing you wish you had known about this OB GYN residency when you were applying?”
These often elicit reflective, candid answers that help with your final rank list.
Putting It All Together: Building Your Personal Question List
Here’s a sample “starter set” you might adapt for a typical interview day, focusing on high-yield questions to ask programs in obstetrics & gynecology:
For the Program Director (choose 3–4):
- “How has your curriculum evolved in the last few years, particularly regarding surgical autonomy and simulation?”
- “What do you see as your program’s greatest strengths and areas where you’re actively working to improve?”
- “How do you support residents who are pursuing fellowship versus those planning to go straight into practice?”
- “How do you promote an environment where residents feel safe discussing errors, near misses, or burnout?”
For Residents (choose 5–7 spread across conversations):
- “What does a typical week look like for you on L&D and on Gyn?”
- “Do you feel you get the volume and autonomy you need to be ready for independent practice by graduation?”
- “How is the balance between OB and Gyn here, and are there years that feel especially heavy in one area?”
- “How do residents support each other during difficult rotations or challenging patient outcomes?”
- “How is call distributed, and what does a typical call shift really feel like?”
- “If you were applying again, what would you want to know about this program that you didn’t appreciate as a fourth-year?”
- “Would you choose this program again?”
For Subspecialty Faculty / Key Clinical Faculty (choose 2–3):
- “How are residents integrated into your subspecialty service, both in clinic and the OR?”
- “What differentiates your graduates surgically or clinically compared with other programs?”
- “How do you approach teaching and giving feedback in the OR or on L&D?”
Use these as a backbone, then personalize with program-specific and goal-specific questions.
FAQs: Questions to Ask OB GYN Residency Programs
1. How many questions should I ask in each OB GYN residency interview?
Aim for 2–4 thoughtful questions with each interviewer, tailored to their role, plus more informal questions for residents during tours or socials. Overall, having a bank of 15–20 strong questions is plenty; you’ll rarely use them all. Depth and relevance matter more than quantity.
2. Is it okay to ask about work–life balance and resident wellness?
Yes—especially in OB GYN, where call and emotional intensity are significant. The key is in how you ask. For example:
- “How does the program support residents during particularly intense rotations or after difficult outcomes?”
- “What systems are in place to monitor wellness and duty hours, and how does leadership respond to concerns?”
This keeps the tone professional while still getting real information.
3. Can I ask directly about case numbers and surgical experience?
You should. Surgical competence is central to OB GYN residency. Ask both leadership and residents:
- “Can you share typical case numbers for graduating residents in key areas like C‑sections, hysterectomies, and advanced laparoscopy?”
- “Do residents feel those numbers reflect meaningful autonomy and comfort in the OR?”
Look for aligned answers, not just the raw numbers.
4. What if my question is answered earlier in the day?
If something you planned to ask is clearly answered in a talk or Q&A, don’t repeat it verbatim. Instead, build on what you heard:
- “Earlier you mentioned the new night float system. From a resident standpoint, how has that changed the experience on L&D?”
This shows you’re listening and capable of synthesizing information—both valuable traits in an OB GYN resident.
Thoughtful, well‑targeted questions can transform your OB GYN residency interviews from generic conversations into meaningful two-way assessments of fit. Use this guide as a foundation, then adapt your interview questions for them—program directors, residents, and faculty—to your own priorities and personality as you navigate the obstetrics match.
SmartPick - Residency Selection Made Smarter
Take the guesswork out of residency applications with data-driven precision.
Finding the right residency programs is challenging, but SmartPick makes it effortless. Our AI-driven algorithm analyzes your profile, scores, and preferences to curate the best programs for you. No more wasted applications—get a personalized, optimized list that maximizes your chances of matching. Make every choice count with SmartPick!
* 100% free to try. No credit card or account creation required.