P013Abortion training preferences of applicants to obstetrics and gynecology residency programs

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3> To assess obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) residency applicant preferences for abortion training, perspectives on restrictive abortion legislation, and how they influence applicant decisions regarding residency program choice. <h3>Methods</h3> We surveyed US medical school applicants who applied to Rush University's Ob-Gyn residency program during the 2021–2022 application cycle. Included in the survey were demographic questions, including prior exposure to abortion in medical schools, awareness of current abortion restrictions, and questions on preferences for abortion training at an Ob-Gyn residency program. We asked if they had concerns about abortion restrictions, if this changed how they ranked a residency program and if they felt abortion restrictions will impact their training as an Ob-Gyn. Surveys were completed using RedCap and responses were anonymous. <h3>Results</h3> Of 930 applicants surveyed, 195 responded (21% response rate) who were predominantly cisgender females (92%), White (64%), and had received some education in abortion care (74%). Almost all (87%) planned to participate in abortion care, with 96% stating abortion training was a desirable trait for a program and 95% stating a program would be undesirable if it did not offer abortion training. Almost all respondents (91%) agreed that abortion training is an essential component of Ob-Gyn residency and this influenced how they rank a residency program. Only 16% of applicants agreed that they were comfortable practicing in a state that restricted abortion training. <h3>Conclusions</h3> Preferences for abortion training strongly influenced applicants' decisions regarding Ob-Gyn residency programs during the 2022 Match. Further changes to the legality of abortion at the state level are likely to impact future residency application trends.