Surgical Training in Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency: Program Director and Assistant Program Director Perspectives on Graduating Resident Surgical Competency [ID 1581]

INTRODUCTION: Literature suggests graduating obstetrics and gynecology (ob-gyn) residents may be underprepared for gynecologic surgery. This study aims to assess the perceptions of ob-gyn residency program directors (PDs) and assistant program directors (APDs) of graduating residents’ surgical competency in ACGME-tracked surgical procedures. METHODS: The ACGME-accredited residency programs were identified. Program director and APD contact information were extracted from the FREIDA American Medical Association database and program websites. A 44-question survey was generated and administered through REDCap. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, unpaired t-test, and chi-squared tests. The study was IRB exempt. RESULTS: Surveys were sent to 468 participants with 130 responses (27.7%). Of the responses, 74.8% were PDs and 25.2% were APDs. Graduating residents were more likely to reach competency in cesarean birth and gynecologic minor procedures compared to major procedures (eg, 100% for cesarean birth versus 76% for vaginal hysterectomy; P <.0001). Although mean competency rates were high, 8% of programs for abdominal hysterectomy and 25% for vaginal hysterectomy reported less than half of residents achieved competency by graduation. Nineteen percent and 38% of respondents, respectively, felt that gynecologic surgical and office training were not given the time required in residency. Twenty-two percent felt that gynecology case minimums should be increased. CONCLUSIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Program directors and APDs reported surgical competency averages are high; however, residents are less likely to be competent in gynecologic major procedures compared to minor procedures and cesarean sections. This identifies an area for improvement in residency surgical education. Development of a survey to assess surgical independence of recent residency graduates is ongoing.