An orientation program for new residents in obstetrics and gynecology.

Abstract

To describe a comprehensive orientation program for new medical school graduates beginning residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. A three-phase orientation program was developed and administered over 5 days before the start of formal residency training. The first phase provided instruction in basic cardiac life support and neonatal resuscitation. In the second phase, a mini-core curriculum was presented through interactive small-group seminars. Seminar topics included prenatal care, fetal heart rate monitoring, labor and vaginal delivery, cesarean delivery, intrapartum and puerperal infection, antibiotic selection, ectopic pregnancy, and pelvic inflammatory disease. In the final phase of the program, the new graduates participated in five practical exercises designed to teach basic examination and surgical techniques. Two groups of five new graduates completed the orientation program. All rated the program as excellent and recommended that it be made a permanent part of the curriculum. The overall cost of the program was less than $300 per trainee. A comprehensive orientation program emphasizing acquisition of practical clinical and surgical skills was successful in facilitating the transition from medical school to residency training in obstetrics and gynecology.