The recruitment phoenix: strategies for attracting medical students into obstetrics and gynecology.
In less than a decade, the popularity of obstetrics and gynecology as a career choice has declined significantly. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) are working to develop a multifaceted approach aimed at reversing this trend. We report on the findings and action plan developed by the ACOG Medical Student Recruitment Task Force as well as the current activities of APGO related to recruitment. Strategies include improving the quality of the medical student clerkship, frankly addressing gender and lifestyle issues that dissuade students from choosing obstetrics and gynecology as a career, and engaging students early in their medical school careers through student interest groups and mentoring programs.
Bienstock
Jessica L
JL
Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. jbienst@jhmi.edu
Laube
Douglas W
DW
D002321:Career Choice; D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D010560:Personnel Selection; D011247:Pregnancy; D013337:Students, Medical; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce