The obstetrics and gynecology resident experience in reproductive endocrinology and infertility: a survey of residency program directors

Abstract

Objective

To provide an updated appraisal of resident reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) education in obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) residency training.

Design

An anonymous survey was distributed to all program directors of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education–accredited OBGYN residency programs (n = 282) in 2022. The survey queried program directors regarding program demographics, time residents spent on the REI rotation, vacation policy, off-service responsibilities, related resident research, and overall resident interest in pursuing REI fellowship training.

Subjects

OBGYN residency program directors.

Exposure

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

The primary outcomes of interest were program characteristics associated with REI-related research and resident interest in pursuing REI fellowship training.

Results

Eighty-seven program directors responded for a response rate of 31%. Thirty-eight programs (43.7%) reported that residents rotate in an academic practice, and 24 programs (27.6%) reported an affiliated REI fellowship program. Over one third of program directors reported that it is “common” or “very common” for residents to be pulled from the REI rotation to other services. Programs that had residents rotate earlier in their training were more likely to have residents apply to REI fellowship and have peer-reviewed REI publications.

Conclusion

There are varied experiences among OBGYN residencies regarding the REI resident rotation. Resident interest in applying for REI fellowships and publishing REI-related research is associated with rotating early in training, exposure to an academic practice, and having an affiliated REI fellowship program.