Obstetrics and Gynecology
Overview
An AOA approved residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is a four year program which will
prepare the Osteopathic physician for a career in general OB/GYN or for advanced training in one of four
fellowship programs. The four fellowship programs are Maternal Fetal Medicine (Perinatology),
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Gynecologic Oncology, and Female Pelvic Medicine and
Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology). Following successful completion of the residency, graduates
will be eligible to sit for the general OB/GYN board examination through the American Osteopathic
Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (AOBOG).
The American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOOG) is committed to the
development of new Osteopathic residency and fellowship training programs in Obstetrics and
Gynecology and its subspecialties. The following is a very brief summary of the program requirement s
and FAQ’s.
Program Requirements
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An Osteopathic Program Director certified by the AOA through the AOBOG.
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Additional faculty certified through the AOA or ABMS. There are no specific requirements as far
as number of faculty or faculty to resident ratios.
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Scope and volume to train a minimum of eight residents. Scope and volume requirements for
new programs must be at the 30th percentile benchmark of the ACOOG annual segregated totals
for all major procedures.
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Development of a didactic, clinical and research curriculum.
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Resources for ambulatory training in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
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Training in all of the subspecialties listed above either in house or through affiliation
agreements.
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A fully staffed 24 hour Emergency Room.
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Radiology department providing 24 hour service including CT scan and Ultrasound.
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A department of Internal Medicine and General Surgery with faculty from both specialties.
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Weekly protected education time for residents.
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Second year residents must attend the ACOOG Midyear meeting.
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Financial resources to meet the requirement set forth in the “AOA Basic Standards for Residency
Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology”
FAQs
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Does the Program Director have to be a DO?
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What are general expectations of the faculty?
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No, although it is preferred. At the outset of a Program or at any point in the history of
a Program that an osteopathic PD is not available, the AOA may grant a waiver of this
requirement for up to 3 years. The candidate must meet all other requirements for an
Obstetrics and Gynecology program director as outlined in the Basic Standards. Also,
the institution must provide periodic updates of their efforts to recruit an osteopathic
program director.
Classroom and clinical teaching.
Supervision of residents for all clinical activities.
Evaluation of resident performance on each rotation.
Annual Evaluation of the program.
Participate in curriculum development and improvement.
What are the advantages of having a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology?
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A 24/7 physician presence in the hospital.
Provides for surgical assistants.
Potential for recruitment of new physicians from the residency program.
Attract physicians interested in training residents.
Physicians tend to remain in the area where they train to enter practice.
Contact Information
American College of Osteopathic Obstetricians & Gynecologists
8851 Camp Bowie West, Suite 275
Fort Worth, TX 76116
Phone: 817-377-0421
Fax: 817-377-0439