What to expect from a residency program: answers from a directory of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology

To answer questions about obstetric-gynecologic resident salary, night call, vacation, outside employment, gender mix, and training experiences using data from a national directory of residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology.

The 259 US civilian residency programs were analyzed, using information from the 1996 directory database. We compared programs by size (four or fewer residents per year versus more than four residents per year) and geographic region for each of the questions. We used parametric and nonparametric statistical tests to determine statistical significance.

First-year residents earn an average of $31,414 annually and receive a 5% increase each year, although salary varies significantly by region. Residents are on call an average of every 3rd night (twice a week) in the 1st year and every 4th or 5th night in the chief year. Residents in small programs take more night call than those in large programs. A separate night call rotation was more common in large programs. Vacation time varied by year of training and region. Male-to-female ratios in training differed significantly by year in training, program size, and region. The median number of training experiences was identified in each of the categories required by the Residency Review Committee in obstetrics and gynecology. Training experiences varied significantly by program size in three of the 15 categories.

Program size and geographic region should be considered when comparing programs with regard to pay, work, time off, outside employment, gender mix, and training experiences. Program advisors and potential applicants are encouraged to use this information in comparing programs.