Obstetrics Gynecology Residency Curriculum

Curriculum Summary

We prefer hands-on and interactive teaching over traditional lectures. We value teamwork, camaraderie and a good work-life balance. Be prepared to learn while having fun and staying engaged.

Our obstetrics-gynecology curriculum spans the breadth and depth of our field. And, we are continuously evolving because we value resident feedback and make improvements based on your experiences and needs.

You will be very well supported and transition in level of responsibility in a gradual manner. During each core rotation you will be part of a team where lower level residents feel strongly supported while upper level residents learn to manage and teach.

OB-Gyn Residency Conference Schedule

The Fundamentals Rotation

During the first four weeks of clinical work, residents rotate in pairs through labor and delivery, gyn surgery, night float and some time in the office. This Fundamentals rotation gives you the foundation needed for the rest of your career.

Our interns begin operating right out of the gate!

Protected Education Time

The weekly education schedule includes protected time from 1 pm to 5 pm every Wednesday for:

faculty teaching
journal clubs
colposcopy case reviews
Gyn Surgery Conference–residents present upcoming surgery cases for their own patients and discuss follow up for interested cases
guest speakers with a broad range of topics

Monthly Simulation Training

Residents are scheduled to rotate through these four simulation areas each month:

team training
in-situ OB team simulations
communications simulations with standardized patients
surgical skills training

We also sponsor weekly, monthly and annual conferences.

PG1 Curriculum

Before starting clinical rotations, new residents spend about 2 weeks completing a structured orientation. During this this time they learn and practice skills necessary to perform on labor and delivery, in the O.R. and in the office, as well as completing the necessary administrative tasks before getting started.

Fundamentals - 4 weeks
ED/WETU - 4 weeks
PDC/Genetics - 4 weeks
Primary & Preventative Care - 4 weeks
L&D - 8 weeks
Night Float - 8 weeks
Gyn - 8 weeks
Gyn ONC - 4 weeks
Gyn Consult - 4 weeks

PG2 Curriculum

During the PGY2 year, residents continue to delve into more complex OB and GYN patients, as well as having the opportunity to explore sub-specialties.

While on the CCCT rotation, residents complete the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery Certification (FLS).

Critical Care Critical Thinking - 4 weeks
Gyn - 8 weeks
L&D - 8 weeks
Maternal-Fetal Medicine - 4 weeks
Night Float - 8 weeks
REI/PAG - 4 weeks
Reproductive Health - 4 weeks
Oncology - 4 weeks
Urogynecology - 4 weeks

PG3 Curriculum

Our PGY3 class transitions into leadership and teaching roles. They work closely with the PGY1 class, teaching them low risk deliveries, and acting as an Attending during minor GYN cases.

Residents have 2 elective blocks this year. One is done at our home institution while the other can be an away elective with pre approval from the Program Director and DIO. Options are international work, fellowship auditions, rural medicine, etc. You can work with your advisor to create this block to help you meet your career goals.

Maternal-Fetal Medicine - 4 weeks
REI - 4 weeks
Reproductive Health - 4 weeks
L&D - 8 weeks
Gyn - 8 weeks
Night Float - 8 weeks
Elective - 8 weeks
Gyn Oncology - 4 weeks

PG4 Curriculum

Each PGY4 resident becomes the Chief of their service. They are responsible for teaching lower level residents and often act as the Attending during the rotation, while the actual Attending is there for support, encouragement, and to contribute to the education. Our residents graduate with the confidence of caring for patients.

The Admin Chief is responsible for oversight of the residents in regards to scheduling, troubleshooting, and helping as needed. They also work on Quality projects in the hospital and learn the business side of medicine.

Urogynecology - 8 weeks
Gynecology - 8 weeks
Gyn Oncology - 8 weeks
L&D - 8 weeks
Night Float - 8 weeks
Admin Chief/Quality/Safety - 8 weeks

Sample Rotation Schedule

4 Week Blocks for all PG Years. Interns are doubled up for one rotation the first half of the year so that the whole class can have a 4 week Fundamentals rotation. So there will be one rotation each with 2 residents (Gyn, Night Float, L&D, PPC & PDC/Genetics)

Rotation Key

CCCT = Critical Care Critical Thinking (part of the ONC team in the AM, rounding and floor coverage. Skills Lab in the PM and FLS certification.
Elective = Specialize in area of interest (may be done outside of Baystate)
Gyn = Operative gynecology & in-house consultations
Gyn Consult = Consultations outside department
Gyn Onc = Gynecologic Oncology
L&D = Labor & Delivery
MFM = High Risk Obstetric service
Night Float = In house night shift
PAG/ER = Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecology/Emergency Room
PDC/Genetics = OB Ultrasound & Genetics
PPC = Primary & Preventative Care Outpatient gynecology, dermatology, gastroenterology, pharmacology, endocrine,general ob/gyn, breast, and geriatrics
RE = Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility
Repro Health = Outpatient Surgery including Planned Parenthood
Urogyn = Urogynecology surgeries, Pelvic Floor Disorder Clinic