(Sub)specialization in obstetrics and gynecology: results of a survey by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Survey of department chairmen (n = 113) and former fellows (n = 599) revealed that from 1974 to 1984 the mean number of full-time faculty doubled and the increase was in subspecialists (5.1 per department). More than 60% of departments report trained subspecialists in three areas and 92.9% in one or more areas. Twenty-two chairmen report zero laboratory research funding. Of former fellows, 82% are certified in obstetrics and gynecology; 44% are certified in a subspecialty; 86.3% have passed the subspecialty written examination. Employment is full-time faculty for 60.8% and full-time private practice for 16.1%. They devote 49.1% of professional time to the subspecialty and 15.9% to research, most of which is clinical; 56.6% spend no time in laboratory research. While 40.3% have submitted no research grant applications since completion of fellowship, of all grants submitted to the federal government, 63.5% were approved and 34.5% were funded. The mean number of papers published since fellowship is 7.8. The number of fellows graduating may meet estimated need. The initial objectives of this new certification are being achieved.
D002568:Certification; D003625:Data Collection; D004501:Education, Medical; D005257:Fellowships and Scholarships; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine; D009774:Obstetrics; D012106:Research; D013038:Specialization; D013044:Specialty Boards; D014481:United States