If you’re spending these next few weeks creating your rank list for OB/GYN residency programs, congratulations on reaching this critical milestone before the Match! In such a dynamic and rewarding specialty, you’ve already achieved a significant accomplishment in your medical journey.
With so many programs to consider, it’s important to take a thoughtful approach to ensure the best fit for your professional goals and personal preferences. In this post, we’ll review key considerations to guide your decision-making process before you officially submit your rank list in March.
Here’s what to keep in mind when ranking OB/GYN residencies.
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6 Things to Consider When Ranking OB/GYN Residency Programs
1. Program Focus: Generalist vs. Subspecialty Training
When evaluating OB/GYN residency programs, think about whether the program aligns with your long-term career goals. Understanding the program’s focus—whether it prepares residents primarily for general OB/GYN practice or subspecialty training—can help you make an informed decision.
The resident program’s structure and clinical emphasis will shape your experience, mentorship, and opportunities for future specialization. For example, some programs may provide more elective months that allow for research, while others offer subspecialty pursuits in areas like maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology, global women’s health, or gynecologic oncology.
Programs with a particular focus offer access to faculty mentors deeply engaged in those fields. They can offer guidance and pivotal letters of recommendation, as well as infrastructure to support scholarly activity often necessary for fellowship applications. Additionally, they provide advanced procedural training, such as minimally invasive surgery or high-risk pregnancy management.
More generalized programs that prioritize broader training tend to emphasize a balanced curriculum and prepare you for comprehensive care in both obstetrics and gynecology. They also have a diverse patient population and a mix of inpatient and outpatient community practice.
Questions to Ask
“Does the program have strong subspecialty fellowship match rates, or does it cater primarily to generalist practice?”
“What do opportunities look like in terms of managing complex cases, such as high-risk pregnancies or advanced gynecologic surgeries?”
“Does the program provide robust training in both obstetrics and gynecology, or is one area more emphasized?”
“What are the opportunities to rotate and work closely with subspecialists?”
2. Accreditation and Board Pass Rates
Make sure to confirm the program is fully accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). This is important, as accreditation ensures the program adheres to nationally recognized standards of graduate medical education, meaning that it grants trainees access to a structured and comprehensive curriculum covering all core competencies in obstetrics and gynecology.
An accredited program also has procedures in place for supervision and training from qualified faculty members, all done in compliance with work hour regulations and other resident wellness initiatives.
A program that boasts high board pass rates year-over-year reflects its quality of education and support. These programs have effective didactic sessions and clinical teaching that will prepare you for the OB/GYN board exam.
Questions to Ask
“Is the program fully accredited?”
“When was the last site review?”
And were there any issues of noncompliance with ACGME?”
(It may be better to search for the answers to the above questions online, rather than asking them directly, as doing so could cause offense.)
Some other questions to ask include:
“What are the recent first-time board pass rates for the program?”
“Have there been any issues with board exams for previous classes, and if so, how were they remedied?”
“How does the program support residents in exam preparation, including any dedicated study time, board review courses, and faculty mentorship?”
What a High-Performing Program Looks Like
First-Time Board Pass Rate
A high-performing program will have about a 98% first-time board pass rate and offer a structured curriculum that incorporates weekly didactic sessions, simulation training for obstetric emergencies, and regular in-service exams.
Outcomes
Graduates are well-prepared for certification exams and independent practice, with exposure to diverse clinical cases and hands-on procedural experience.
Graduating from an accredited program with strong board pass rates not only enhances your confidence and readiness for independent practice but also signals to future employers and fellowship directors that you received high-quality training.
What a Lower Performing Program Looks Like
First-Time Board Pass Rate
A program with board pass rates below the national average may lack comprehensive exam preparation resources, such as organized review sessions or faculty guidance.
Outcomes
Residents may face additional challenges in meeting certification requirements and transitioning to independent practice after training.
3. Clinicals and Case Volume
The quality and scope of your clinical training impacts your confidence, skill set, and preparedness for independent practice. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) emphasizes diverse patient exposure and comprehensive surgical training as essential elements of a well-rounded OB/GYN residency.
Here are some factors to consider when looking at programs:
Surgical Case Volume
Residency programs should provide adequate opportunities to meet or exceed case minimums in key areas such as vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and minimally invasive procedures (e.g., laparoscopic and robotic surgeries).
High-Risk Obstetrics and Subspecialty Exposure
Rotations in maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, and reproductive endocrinology are vital for understanding complex conditions and honing advanced management skills.
Outpatient and Continuity Clinics
Exposure to outpatient care, including prenatal visits, well-woman exams, and gynecologic consultations is essential for mastering patient communication and long-term management.
Continuity clinics provide the opportunity to build ongoing relationships with patients, enhancing the resident’s ability to deliver comprehensive care.
Example of Clinical Training Excellence at a High-Volume Program
A residency program at a large academic medical center offers residents exposure to a high volume of deliveries, advanced gynecologic surgeries, and diverse outpatient experiences including community and underserved care.
Dedicated rotations in maternal-fetal medicine and gynecologic oncology allow you to manage high-acuity patients and perform complex procedures while getting exposure to diverse patient loads.
Outcomes
Graduates emerge confident in handling both routine and challenging cases, ready for either generalist practice or fellowship training.
Questions to Ask
“How does the program ensure residents meet or exceed ACGME case minimums?”
“Are there structured rotations in high-risk obstetrics and gynecologic subspecialties?”
“What role do residents play in continuity clinics, and how much autonomy do they have in managing patients?”
“Are there opportunities for hands-on experience in minimally invasive surgery, including robotics?”
4. Research Opportunities
If you’re interested in advancing your field through research, the availability of structured research opportunities is worth considering. Strong research support can pave the way for competitive fellowship placements, academic grants, and faculty positions.
Furthermore, engaging in research during residency helps you build expertise in critical appraisal and evidence-based practice, develop skills in study design, data analysis, and scientific writing, and it’ll certainly strengthen your application for fellowships.
Things to look for include:
Dedicated Research Time
Programs that allocate protected time for research enable you to focus on scholarly pursuits without compromising your clinical responsibilities.
Faculty Mentorship and Funding
Faculty who are actively involved in research can help residents refine their ideas, submit proposals for funding, and co-author publications. Access to internal funding can also facilitate projects requiring resources such as specialized equipment or data analysis.
Allotted CME Time for Conferences and Presentations
Opportunities to present research at national conferences like the ACOG Annual Clinical and Scientific Meeting or the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) can expand your professional network and add distinction to your CV.
Questions to Ask
“Does the program provide protected research time and funding for residents?”
“Are faculty actively involved in research?”
“How accessible are they for mentorship?”
“What are some current projects the faculty are involved in?”
“What percentage of residents present at conferences or publish during their training?”
“Are there institutional or departmental resources (e.g., biostatisticians, grant funding) to support projects from residents?”
5. Wellness and Work-Life Balance
Residency is inherently demanding, and in OB/GYN, the unpredictability of labor and the intensity of surgical and clinical care can be particularly challenging. A program that supports work-life balance can help you stay physically and mentally healthy and reduce residency burnout while meeting the rigors of training.
Questions to Ask
“What do the schedule and duty hours look like?”
“How many inpatient vs. outpatient rotations are there?”
“What will my surgical case load be?”
“Does the program comply with ACGME duty hour regulations?” (This one also may be better to search for the answers to these questions online, rather than asking them directly, as doing so could cause offense).
“What are the vacation policies?” (Be sure they’re transparent and equitable.)
“Are there wellness initiatives such as retreats or team-building activities?”
“Do you have access to counseling and mental health services?”
6. Program Culture and Fit
The culture of a residency program shapes your day-to-day experience, influencing your training and overall satisfaction. A program should align with your values and preferences, ensuring a positive and productive training experience in a safe environment.
Some things to consider when it comes to program culture and fit include:
Resident Camaraderie
A sense of community among residents promotes teamwork and mutual support, making challenging call shifts and rotations more manageable and enjoyable.
Faculty and Resident Relations
The relationship between faculty and residents is a cornerstone of a successful residency experience. Supportive and accessible faculty not only enhance your learning but also provide mentorship, guidance, and encouragement throughout your training. Consistent feedback and active mentorship are features of good residency programs.
Diversity and Inclusion Efforts
Programs that value diversity and actively promote equity create an inclusive environment where all residents feel valued and respected.
Questions to Ask
“How would current residents describe the camaraderie within the program?”
“What does feedback from faculty members look like?”
“Are mentorship opportunities available during training?”
“What initiatives does the program have in place to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?”
“Are there resident committees or forums for addressing concerns and improving the program?”
The right program culture aligns with your values and goals, creating an environment where you can thrive both professionally and personally. Take advantage of interviews, meet-and-greet sessions, and resident panels to get an authentic feel for the program’s atmosphere and culture.
The Bottom Line
Ranking OB/GYN programs is a deeply personal process. Reflect on your long-term career goals, preferred learning environment, and personal values. By carefully evaluating these factors, you can confidently create a rank list that aligns with your aspirations and sets you on the path to success.
Looking for more (free!) tips for Match season? Check out these other posts from Blueprint tutors on the Med School blog!
