Resident research in obstetrics and gynecology: Development of a program with comparison to a national survey of residency programs

Abstract

The objective of this report is to describe our recently established resident research program and to compare this program with those of other obstetrics and gynecology residency training programs in the United States. The components of our program are described. Data for comparison from other programs were obtained from questionnaires, phone follow-up and the Directory of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology. We initiated a residency research program in 1987 with acceptable projects defined, a time for completion of manuscripts established, and a Resident Research Day organized with presentation of articles, critique by a guest speaker, and an awards banquet. Nationally, less than 60% of residency programs have research requirements. Of the 208 programs responding to the written questionnaire 86% of programs associated with a university required research compared with 10% of community-based residency programs. While more than a third of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology do not have resident research programs, the trend is for programs to establish research as a required portion of training. An outline of a recently established program is provided.