Objective: To measure future and current resident perspectives on obstetrics and gynecology residency training structure and possible future models.
Methods: Medical students invited for obstetrics and gynecology residency interviews and residents (postgraduate year [PGY]-1-4) at the University of Colorado, the University of Washington, the University of California San Francisco, Loyola University, Saint Joseph's Hospital, and Texas A&M in 2017-2018 received a voluntary, electronic survey regarding possible models for restructuring residency training. Student and resident responses were compared using χ test for categorical and two-sample t-test for continuous items.
Results: Applicants (63%, 280/444) and residents (66%, 101/153) had similar response rates (overall response rate 64%). Applicants (24%) and residents (29%) reported having concerns about the current structure of residency training. The ideal residency duration was reported as 4 years by 72% of applicants and 85% of residents. Lack of gynecologic surgical volume was the most frequently reported concern among applicants (75%) and residents (72%). Fourth-year tracking (focusing on training aligned with postgraduation career path) was preferred by 90% of applicants and 77% of residents (P=.002) and 92% among respondents planning fellowship. Most applicants (68%) and residents (75%) preferred not starting fellowship training after the 3rd year of residency.
Discussion: The majority of learners surveyed support a 4-year training structure but likewise support individualizing training in PGY-4. It is imperative that obstetrics and gynecology leadership consider this and other feedback from learners when considering modifications to the current training paradigm.