Dr. Herbert, Dept Chair, Dr. Moxley, Asst Program Director, Tammy Lull, Education Coordinator, Dr. Chisholm, Program Director
Introduction to OB/Gyn Residency
The Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program at the University of Virginia School of Medicine provides the clinical and educational environment to ensure that upon completion of training, residents will have acquired the knowledge, technical skills, and judgment necessary to function independently as obstetrician-gynecologists. We accomplish this through a carefully structured and supervised training program that meets the educational objectives of the Council on Resident Education in Obstetrics and Gynecology while incorporating the unique clinical opportunities of our Department. As the educational focus of the program is upon preparedness for independent practice, it is expected that all graduates will achieve certification by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The Board pass rate for our graduates is 100%.
Our goal is that our graduating residents will be thoroughly prepared for the practice of general obstetrics and gynecology, either in private practice or in academic positions, and that those who choose to pursue subspecialty training will be competitive for highly selective fellowships. Historically, 60% of our graduates pursue private practice, 20% follow careers as academic generalists, and 20% pursue subspecialty training. Resident learning is promoted by a lecture and conference series that consists of didactic presentations by faculty and resident-led seminars, in addition to Grand Rounds, Morbidity and Mortality conference, and Journal Clubs. We have increasingly incorporated simulation as a means of education. Monthly laproscopic dry labs and periodic animal labs are firmly established, and our obstetrics simulation program is rapidly growing.
In order to foster scholarly inquiry, our program includes a required original, self-initiated research project that is presented at the beginning of the fourth year. Elective time is provided during the third year for each resident to pursue a special research or clinical interest, and multiple opportunities exist to collaborate with faculty in their ongoing research. Our residents regularly present their research at regional and national meetings.
Our department prides itself on the quality of the education we provide. This extends not just to our residents but also to the students of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The student clerkship is highly regarded, as are the fourth year electives offered in Ambulatory Gynecology, Gynecologic Oncology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine. We are enormously proud of the residents from our department who have been recognized as recipients of the Resident / Fellow Teaching Awards presented each year by the Medical Center. In 2005, our Department was named “Best Teaching Department” by the graduating class of the School of Medicine, which we consider the highest honor.
Congratulations: Our resident nominees for University of Virginia teaching awards in 2007-08. Erika Werner and Christy Wamhoff received honorable mention for the second consecutive year for the Resident/Fellow Teaching Award. Shannon Brim was honored with both a Health System Resident/Fellow Teaching Award and with membership in the Gold Humanism Honor Society, both on nominations by the Medical School Class of 2009. We are exceptionally proud of all of our outstanding resident teachers!
The program leadership is dedicated, educated and experienced. Dr. Chisholm has been Program Director since 2003, Dr. Moxley joined us as Assistant Program Director in 2006, and Mrs. Lull has been Education Coordinator since 2005 after a number of years of prior experience in the GME office. All have completed the CREOG Program Directors School and all are active in institutional GME activities. Dr. Moxley has also participated in the APGO/Ethicon Hysteroscopic Scholars Program.
Obstetrics/Gynecology Student Reception
On January 27th, a reception was held honoring the fourth year UVA students who are candidates for residency in OB/GYN. All 10 students and their guests braved the inclement weather to meet at the Chair's home that evening.
While the students were catching up with faculty and each other, Dr. Herbert and the residency program leadership expressed how proud the institution was to have such exceptional students, and wished them well in their future endeavors. Several mentions of thanks were expressed to our hosts, the Herberts, for their hospitality.
It was truly meaningful to the faculty to be able to meet with the students outside the educational setting, and underscores what a special program we have at UVA. It is also indicative of our supportive department that has enabled such interest to be generated and maintained in OB/GYN among the students. It is a favorable reflection of the faculty's commitment to education, especially of those involved in the clerkship, where this is often the first significant exposure the students have to OB/GYN. Congratulations and thanks to all who helped make this event possible.
2008 Holiday Party Group Photo
Our 3rd years enjoying a cocktail in Chicago with our Chair, Dr. Herbert and his wife, Marsha. They were attending the Resident Leadership Program given by CREOG. All of our rising chief residents attend this conference annually.
Our rising chief residents enjoying times together.
Our rising chief residents enjoying times together.