WRNMMC - Ob-Gyn Residency Research

Evidence of “scholarly activity” must be demonstrated by a residency program according to ACGME requirements. For our program, we have a research requirement consisting of the following:

A case report or study presented at the Annual Intern Research Day (presented by the PGY-1 residents).
A study presented at the Annual Robert C. Park Resident Research Day in Obstetrics and Gynecology and/or at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) Armed Forces District (AFD) Annual Meeting.

Resources:

Although this requirement exists, the resident is not left to “fend for themselves” in developing the concept and performing the investigation. All research projects are under the direction of at least one faculty member; there are numerous ideas and concepts always available. The local resources to support research are abundant, including the research directorates at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (Department of Clinical Investigation or DCI), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (Responsible Conduct of Research Department, RCRD, 301-295-2275), and USUHS (Office of Research or REA).

As a result, there is extensive support with study design and methodology, protocol preparation, and data/statistical analysis. All research projects require protocol submission, enhancing the residents’ understanding of the research process and enforcing compliance with regulations covering research, including full compliance with HIPAA.

In addition to these resources, we are also fortunate to have access to fantastic resources close-by, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and USUHS. The research faculty in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at USUHS are extremely supportive, and create an avenue for bench and basic science research. Indeed, residents for the past several years have presented and published basic science research endeavors. Finally, many of the faculty have specific expertise in various aspects of research, including design and analysis, and provide additional invaluable resources.

Although these research efforts require significant efforts made by the residents, we consider it very important for the individual resident’s education, as well as the benefits associated with research productivity for the individual resident as well as for the program as a whole. Certainly, research presentations are incorporated into the individual resident’s curriculum vitae (CV), which is important for future assignments and career opportunities, as well as for application for potential fellowship training. For the program, research leads to presentations and publications, which enhance the reputation of the program. Indeed, these efforts provide benefits for everyone involved.

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Research Productivity and Recognition:

These research efforts have led to outstanding representation at recent scientific meetings. For example, the ACOG is divided into a number of Districts (11 total); most of which are geographically arranged, but one is the Armed Forces District (AFD), which consists of uniformed OB/GYN providers (Army, Navy, Air Force, Public Health Service). Each District holds scientific meetings annually. Although the AFD membership is “small” relative to some of the other Districts, the quality of the education and research presentations at the annual AFD meeting makes this meeting one of the most highly reputed scientific seminars within ACOG. Based on timing of the meeting and abstract submission, it is virtually impossible for PGY-1 residents to submit an abstract and attend the meeting, therefore, the AFD annual meeting is essentially available to 18 residents in the program. For the last several years, 17 or 18 possible residents presented a total of 22 - 24 projects. The program represents, on average, 25% of the total submitted abstracts for this meeting! This record of attendance demonstrates the single largest representation of any program in the history of this organization's meetings! These are phenomenal accomplishments, and supporting maximal attendance requires a true personal and departmental effort, including fantastic support by the entire faculty. Our residents and faculty deserve a remarkable amount of credit for their efforts.

In addition to presentations at these meetings, many of the residents have also presented research investigations at annual meetings held by principal societies in obstetrics and gynecology, including the ACOG Annual Clinical Meeting, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) Annual Meeting, the Society of Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) Annual Meeting, and the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) Annual Meeting. Some of these meetings have attendance in the thousands; presentation at these meetings is a tremendous achievement.

Last, but certainly not least, is publication. Presentations of projects and representation at national meetings are certainly accomplishments deserving of great credit; publication represents the final step in an investigational process and is a remarkable achievement. In the academic year 2004 – 2005, 9 residents had publications either in print, or accepted for publication, in peer-reviewed journals! To have 38% of residents published in one year is an unparalleled accomplishment, and one that the residents and faculty are incredibly proud of. This record of superb productivity continued into the subsequent academic years, ranging from 4 to 7 publications per year.

Finally, the faculty, as described, provide the “backbone” on which resident research is founded. The faculty have an impressive record of presentations and publications; indeed, the emphasis on research productivity is shared by residents and faculty alike, and we consider it a strength of the program.

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OB-GYN Residency Research

OB-GYN Residency
Research