Factors Influencing Residency Program Selection by Medical Students Pursuing Obstetrics and Gynecology

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To assess the factors that influence residency program selection by fourth-year medical students pursuing obstetrics and gynecology residency training. METHODS: A voluntary and anonymous survey addressing residency selection factors was distributed to all fourth-year medical students interviewing at one of five academic obstetrics and gynecology departments for a residency position during the 2013 interview season. Participants were surveyed regarding the relative importance of a variety of residency selection factors including: operative experience, exposure to subspecialties, curricular experience, access to fellowships, and the administrative aspects of residency including adherence to duty hour restrictions. The percentage of respondents indicating each response (Not Important, Somewhat Important, Important) was calculated for each of the selection factors. RESULTS: An overall response rate of 81% was achieved representing 262 applicants. Overall surgical training and training in laparoscopic surgery were deemed “Important” by nearly all respondents (98% and 97%, respectively). There was a gap to the next most “Important” selection factor, training in high-risk OB, which was identified as “Important” by 84% of respondents. Factors that were considered “Not Important” at the highest rates were a formal maternity and paternity leave policy (22%), opportunity for international elective rotation (20%), exposure to quality and safety initiatives (13%), and training in abortion (13%). CONCLUSION: Fourth-year medical students identified surgical training (both laparoscopic and overall) as the most important factor in selecting an obstetrics and gynecology residency. This is particularly important for residency programs to recognize in the climate of decreasing and changing surgical volumes in the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology.