Opportunities and barriers in global women’s health training during obstetrics and gynecology residencies in the USA

Abstract

ObjectiveTo systematically measure the scope and breadth of global women’s health (GWH) training opportunities during obstetrics and gynecology residencies in the USA, as described by program directors (PDs). MethodsIn a questionnaire-based study, PDs were asked to complete a web-based survey between January 1 and March 15, 2013. Information about the residency program and GWH opportunities was obtained. ResultsAmong 236 PDs contacted, 105 (44.5%) responded. Overall, 82 (78.1%) reported that at least one resident had participated in a GWH rotation during the past 5years, 36 (34.3%) offered formal didactics, and 29 (27.6%) offered a formal rotation in GWH. Among all respondents, 43 (42.2%) reported having at least one faculty member for whom GWH is a dedicated part of their practice. Programs with dedicated GWH faculty were more likely to offer formal GWH didactics (relative risk [RR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07–3.14; P=0.03), but were not significantly more likely to offer a formal GWH rotation (RR 1.91; 95% CI 0.97–3.70; P=0.06). ConclusionMany residency programs provide opportunities for GWH training, but few offer formal didactics or a formal rotation.