Office of Medical Communications

Karen George, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences and associate dean for students at the Larner College of Medicine

(OCTOBER 16, 2023) Karen George, M.D., M.P.H., associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences and associate dean for students at the Larner College of Medicine, contributed to a Physician’s Weekly article on what residents and program directors think is needed for a successful transition to residency.

To evaluate perceived gaps in preparedness, current on-boarding practices, and need for specialty-wide resources in the transition to residency training in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN), a cross-sectional survey of current U.S. OB/GYN residents and program directors (PDs) at the time of the resident in-training exam was conducted in 2022, Physician's Weekly reported. Both groups provided demographic information and identified specific knowledge, skills, and abilities in need of more preparation at the start of residency.

The survey found that OBGYN PDs feel that not all residents arrive prepared for residency and overwhelmingly support the development of standardized transition curricular and assessment tools, similar to the curriculum developed in general surgery. Based on input from PDs and residents, early curricular efforts should focus on basic surgical, ultrasound, and time management skills and on management of inpatient issues.