Trends in Duty Hour Requirements for Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkships

Over the last 20 years, the number of American medical schools requiring night call in addition to daytime hours for students in the obstetrics and gynecology (Ob-Gyn) clerkship has dropped dramatically. This study aimed to determine patterns of call assignments and opinions of clerkship directors on this topic.

The study is a cross-sectional observational study using a survey sent to all US Ob-Gyn clerkship directors. The survey inquired about required hours assigned to students on the clerkship. In addition to questions about personal demographics, participants were also asked about agreement with a set of statements regarding merits and downsides of additional call. 152 surveys were returned out of 241 distributed.

Analysis was completed for 106 returned surveys, each representing a US allopathic medical school. 35 clerkships (33%) require some shift in addition to regular daytime hours, including overnight call (11), evening call (6) or weekend call (26). Clerkship directors who require call are more likely to have been in their role longer and are more likely to agree that call is worthwhile and provides additional opportunities for hands-on patient care.

Requirements for additional overnight and weekend shifts have declined steadily in US medical schools, often replaced by a night float system. Educators should continue to find opportunities for students to engage in the full spectrum of clinical experiences while balancing the need for restricting duty hours.