Why obstetrics/gynecology, and what if it were not an option? A survey of resident applicants.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to assess the secondary residency choice of obstetrics/gynecology and family medicine residency applicants and to determine the most and least appealing aspects of each specialty.


METHODS
This prospective cohort study surveyed residency applicants in obstetrics/gynecology and family medicine from 2004-2007 at the University of New Mexico (obstetrics/gynecology and family medicine) and the University of California-San Francisco (obstetrics/gynecology). Applicants completed an anonymous 5-question survey about their secondary choice of specialty, least likely residency choice, and the most and least appealing aspects of their chosen specialty.


RESULTS
Forty-six percent obstetrics/gynecology applicants would have chosen a primary care specialty, and 37% would have chosen a surgical specialty. The most appealing aspects of obstetrics/gynecology were surgery and obstetrics. The least appealing aspects were work hours and liability concerns.


CONCLUSIONS
Obstetrics/gynecology applicants are divided between primary care and surgical specialties as their secondary choice. Core aspects of surgery and obstetrics are most appealing. Emphasis on these components of the specialty in medical school may improve student recruitment into obstetrics/gynecology.
Ogburn
Tony
T
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Albuquerque, NM, USA.
Espey
Eve
E
Autry
Amy
A
Leeman
Larry
L
Bachofer
Sally
S
D002321:Career Choice; D005194:Family Practice / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006176:Gynecology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies