What Does It Take to Fuel an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program?. (October 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walker, Colton H.; Miller, Joseph; Polite, Florencia G.; Young, Amy E.
• Is Part Of: Obstetrics and gynecology. Volume 126(2015)Supplement 4
• Publication Date: 2015-10
• Subjects: Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Gynecology -- Periodicals; 618
• DOI: 10.1097/01.AOG.0000471096.04946.90
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0029-7844

Abstract

Abstract : PURPOSE: To investigate the use of away rotations by obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. BACKGROUND: Use of outside training sites for obstetrics and gynecology residency programs has been recommended. METHODS: The Fellowship and Residency Electronic Interactive Database Access System (FREIDA) was used to determine the program name, region, type, number of trainees by year, and participating locations. MapQuest or World Atlas was used to determine the shortest distance between the host site and participating location. An away rotation was defined as any participating location more than 5 miles from, and in a different city than, the host site. The Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Directory was used to validate and supplement data provided by FREIDA. Program websites were used to determine the postgraduate year (PGY) level, length, and purpose of away rotations. RESULTS: 51.4% (128/249) of programs require at least one away rotation. 53.9% (69/128) of these require more than one away rotation. 75.8% (97/128) were less than 30 miles from the host site, 21.1% (27/128) were 30–60 miles, and 29.7% (38/128) were more than 60 miles. For programs with distant rotations (more than 60 miles), most were located in the West South Central Region (28.9%). The median distance was 150.96 miles. The average length was 3.0 months. PGY-3 residents participated most frequently (45.8%). Rotations were used most commonly for training in gynecology (31.25%). Program size was unrelated to away rotations. DISCUSSION: Consistent with the 2010 Carnegie Report recommendations, a majority of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs are using training opportunities outside parent institutions with a minority (15.3%) at distant sites.