Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring OB/GYN.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Step 2: Review Ob/Gyn Match Data
In working with residency applicants and examining Match data, we have seen the popularity of obstetrics and gynecology as a career increase in recent years. In 2005, there were 1,339 applicants. By 2011, this number had risen to 1,509. There are more applicants than positions available. In 2018, 12% of U.S. allopathic seniors failed to match.
As with other competitive specialties, U.S. allopathic medical students fare better in the Match than osteopathic and international medical graduates. The NRMP classifies osteopathic and IMG applicants as independent applicants. In 2011, nearly 49.5% of independent applicants failed to match.
Ob/Gyn-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Allopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Ob/Gyn-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match: U.S. Osteopathic Seniors, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Ob/Gyn-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2018
National Resident Matching Program, Charting Outcomes in the Match for International Medical Graduates, 2018. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC 2018.
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"We receive about 410 applications each year for our six PGY-1 positions, and we interview 70 candidates each year," writes the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Carolinas HealthCare.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Ob/Gyn-2018 NRMP Program Director Survey
National Resident Matching Program, Data Release and Research Committee: Results of the 2018 NRMP Program Director Survey. National Resident Matching Program, Washington, DC. 2018.
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
As competition for positions in the obstetrics and gynecology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to have in place the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools. AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." For more powerful information, sign up for our weekly update.
Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
The USMLE or COMLEX is an important factor in the obstetrics and gynecology residency selection process. In 2018, the mean USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX 1 scores among matched students were 230 and 568, respectively. Among unmatched U.S. seniors and osteopathic students, the mean scores were 218 and 507, respectively.
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observreships and Externships
Grades in required or core clerkships are very important to obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. In a NRMP survey of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, 85% cited "grades in required clerkships" as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. Obstetrics and gynecology rotations are also of obvious importance to international medical graduates seeking positions in the field
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
In a survey of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, 81% cited the personal statement as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. To better assess fit between the applicant and the program, some obstetrics and gynecology residency programs ask applicants to address specific questions in the statement.
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.