A multicenter study to determine motivating factors for residents pursuing obstetrics and gynecology.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to determine why residents choose obstetrics and gynecology.


METHODS
Applicants to obstetrics and gynecology residency programs were surveyed; a 5-point scale (5 = most important) was used to rate various aspects of the specialty. Univariate statistics were performed. Bivariate analysis comparing results that were based on gender and timing of decisions was completed with Student t test, chi2, and Kruskal-Wallis tests.


RESULTS
A total of 153 applicants (42% response rate) from 10 programs participated; 85.3% of respondents were female. Surgical opportunities, variety of clinical experience, and fast-paced/high-acuity experiences attract applicants to obstetrics and gynecology. When considering programs, resident camaraderie, gynecologic experience, and commitment to education were most important. Over 70% of residents decided to pursue obstetrics and gynecology during or after their third-year clerkship.


CONCLUSIONS
Surgical opportunities and clinical variety appeal to applicants. The majority choose obstetrics and gynecology during or after their core clerkship. In addition, program dynamics are important when choosing a residency.
Blanchard
May Hsieh
MH
Case Western Reserve University-MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Autry
Amy M
AM
Brown
Haywood L
HL
Musich
John R
JR
Kaufman
Leah
L
Wells
Dylan R
DR
Stager
Robert D
RD
Swanson
Jennifer L
JL
Lund
Kirsten J
KJ
Wiper
Donald W
DW
Bailit
Jennifer L
JL
D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*