OBGYN

OBGYN

General OMS-I guidance

As an OMS- I student, ensure you do well academically. Join ACOOG to learn about a career in OBGYN and understand issues addressed within the field. Consider doing research as OBGYN residencies look favorably on applicants who have completed research projects. Consider establishing a mentor within the Women’s Health/OBGYN Department with plans to meet with the mentor/chair. Be engaged in school and community activities to improve your competitiveness for residency. Consider involvement with the General Surgery Interest Group and their surgical skills curriculum. Use the resources below to gain a better understanding this specialty and its requirements:

• Careers in Medicine (CiM by the AAMC): https://careersinmedicine.aamc.org/
• Residency Explorer (AAMC) where you can compare residency programs and applicant’s profile with matched applicants in OBGYN. https://careersinmedicine.aamc.org/choose-your-specialty/using-aamcs-report-residents-consider-your-competitiveness
• Review and consider involvement in organizations such as ACOOG (https://acoog.org/page/MedicalStudents ), ACOG (https://www.acog.org/career-support/medical-students), AAPLOG (https://aaplog.org/ ), and the CMDA ObGyn Section (https://cmda.org/specialty-sections/obgyn/ ).

General OMS-II guidance

Use this year to be involved in ACOOG as well as Women’s Health Activities that are within the community, region, and nationally. Review LUCOM Data of the history of LUCOM graduates and where students have gone to residencies. Do well academically in the OMS-II Women’s Health Course and introduce yourself to the Course Director and OBGYN Chair. Review and become acquainted with APGO resources (APGO.org) including the APGO Residency Directory and the APGO “Right Resident, Right Program, Ready Day One: Program Resources” (https://apgo.org/page/rrrprogram?&hhsearchterms=%22rrr%22 ). Study hard and do well on COMLEX Level 1. Additionally, we strongly recommend you take the USMLE Step 1.

General OMS-III guidance

Learn clinically and academically throughout your OMS-III clerkships with growing confidence and greater independent functioning as the year progresses. Perform very well on your OBYGN clerkship clinically, academically, and relationally. Study hard on each rotation preparing for COMAT’S and remember your preparation for COMLEX Level II and USMLE is occurring now. Begin thinking about obtaining OMS-IV electives in Nov/Dec of your OMS-III year and begin applying for electives/acting internships in January. Learn from LUCOM students who match into OBGYN the year before you graduate. Use the spring to prepare your CV/Resume and plan to meet with your OBGYN Chair/Advisors by the end of OMS-III rotations. Make sure to send CV, personal statement, and transcripts prior to appointment. Review and plan timeline for Residency Application Process in OBGYN and review APGO resources “Right Resident, Right Program, Ready Day One: Program Resources”  (https://apgo.org/page/rrrprogram?&hhsearchterms=%22rrr%22 ).  The “Early OMS IV Elective” at WHSCV is recommended prior to acting internships. Plan to obtain Letters of Recommendations (at least two to three) and Standard Letter of Evaluation (SLOE). Use this time to review the ERAS Application Process:

• USMLE / COMLEX scores
• Transcripts
• Research / Publications
• Teaching
• Work and Volunteering Experience
• Extracurricular Activities

General OMS-IV guidance

Be ahead in the ResidencyCAS application process. Conduct a parallel plan with another specialty as needed. Create an individual study plan for reading during your OMS-IV year – an obstetric text (Obstetrics: Normal and Problem Pregnancies or William Obstetrics) and gynecology text (Comprehensive Gynecology) are recommended. Below are a few tips to adequately prepare for interviews and post-interview communication:

• Explore the program’s websites and attend online social events if offered in order to understand the programs values, missions, and desired qualities.
• Plan a mock interview prior to interviews.
• Understand tools / recommendations for virtual interviews
• Communicate consistently with your mentor during the interview season to evaluate your interviews, reflect on impressions, and begin to rank programs.

Post-Interview Communication

• Understand NRMP Code of Conduct
• Notify programs of new publications or awards
• Contact programs appropriately regarding interests and rank list (Discuss rank list in detail with mentor prior to finalizing).

USMLE Guidance

USMLE is highly recommended for this specialty.

Letters of Recommendation – How many and by whom

Two to three letters are recommended from physicians who know you personally – preferably from OBGYNs, surgeons, or academicians. A SLOE is needed by a clerkship director, chair, or assistant clerkship director.

Recommended total number of interviews overall

We recommend discussing this number with your mentor as this will depend on competitiveness of your applications and if you are parallel planning.

Recommended total number of interviews in the specialty

11-20 interviews are recommended for this specialty.

General CV guidance

Keep your CV concise, and ensure it is pertinent, accurate, and complete.

General Personal statement guidance

Plan to complete 10 or more revisions of your statement. The statement should reflect a student’s strengths, weaknesses, career goals, and desired program characteristics communicated within a “personal” context. This is often reflected best with a story/stories. Focus on goals and qualities you bring to residency and look at the tone of the statement to ensure professionalism and positivity. If needed, address weaknesses with an emphasis on growth from adversity. Use your mentor to assess the content and flow and use an editor or English teacher to assess grammar.

Rotations: What 4th year rotations would you encourage a student in this specialty to secure?

Plan for 3-5 audition rotations in OBGYN, and consider rotations in the following specialties:

1. Cardiology
2. Infectious disease
3. Emergency medicine
4. Dermatology
5. Critical care
6. Neonatology
7. Internal Medicine

Additional thoughts or suggestions

Summary of Academic Metrics for LUCOM Students Entering OBGYN:

Click the link above to visit an interactive data tool published by the NRMP to explore the national data pertaining to characteristics of students matching into each specialty.