Obstetrics & Gynecology Program
While the residency is structured to be "self-sufficient," with all rotations and specialty subjects taught on campus, the department is also a major affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons and serves as a teaching site for large numbers of medical students.
The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training program focuses on providing the necessary didactic and clinical diversity to help you become skilled in all aspects of women's healthcare. This training includes knowledge of preventive care, management of normal as well as complicated pregnancy, and all facets of gynecology.
The 35 members of the attending staff include four perinatologists, four reproductive endocrinologists, an oncologist, a uruogynecologist, and a director of Ambulatory Services. A genetic counselor, perinatal nurse clinicians, and nurse practitioners contribute to teaching and clinical coverage.
While the residency is structured to be "self-sufficient," with all rotations and specialty subjects taught on campus, the department is also a major affiliate of Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and serves as a teaching site for large numbers of medical students. Gynecologic surgery experience in the program is extensive, covering all aspects and techniques, including advanced laparoscopy and hysteroscopy.
The Whittingham Specialty Care Pavilion includes 14 labor and delivery rooms, two operating rooms, spacious and private postpartum rooms, a new nursery and a state-of-the-art 14-bed neonatal ICU.
All subspecialties are represented within the department. Our full-time urogynecologist has a very extensive patient base and does a full range of medical and surgical procedures. A full-time reproductive endocrinologist conducts basic science and clinical teaching sessions. Assisted reproductive procedures are performed in collaboration with a second endocrinologist. Cancer cases are attended by our gynecologic oncologist. In the obstetrical realm, the labor and delivery unit continues to grow, with almost 3,000 deliveries annually.
The Whittingham Specialty Care Pavilion includes 14 labor and delivery rooms, two operating rooms, spacious and private postpartum rooms, a new nursery and a state-of-the-art 14-bed neonatal ICU.
The director of Perinatology heads an antepartum testing unit with capability for all sophisticated ultrasound techniques and procedures. The three full-time perinatologists hold extensive teaching rounds and conferences and are available for consultation on all high-risk cases. Genetic counselors are available for patients and teaching. A large genetics/amniocentesis program is conducted on site.
At Stamford Hospital, we are also very fortunate to have attending staff in all departments who enthusiastically embrace the opportunity to teach. The Departments of Medicine, Surgery, and Family Practice provide both formal teaching and consultative services. Neonatal resuscitation is taught by attending neonatalogists. A special relationship with the Department of Urology has enabled residents to assist on their urogynecology cases.
A special relationship with the Department of Urology has enabled residents to assist on their urogynecology cases.
The Radiology Department includes a full-service radiotherapy section as well as full diagnostic services, including readily accessible CT scanning and MRI. Several portable ultrasound machines are available throughout the hospital so that patients in labor, as well as those in the clinic and emergency room, can be scanned at any time. They are used extensively by the residents.
Stamford Hospital has a superb Department of Anesthesiology, which provides 24-hour coverage and is expert in all phases of gynecologic and obstetrical anesthesia. In addition, the Department of Pediatrics Neonatal Intensive Care Unit is staffed by three neonatologists. There is close interaction between the NICU and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Care in the Ambulatory Care Center is provided through organized teams of residents who offer patients continuity of care for all obstetric and gynecologic conditions. In addition, there are weekly high-risk pregnancy and colposcopy clinics as well as a gynecologic geriatrics clinic. A full-time faculty member supervises the clinics. We have a heavy emphasis on didactics. You will have three hours of "protected" time each week for core lectures, plus monthly journal clubs and weekly departmental case review conferences. At least once per month outside speakers give Grand Rounds lectures. An annual surgical symposium with "live" case demonstrations has become a very popular event. You are required to complete clinical projects to present at the annual resident research day.
Graduating residents interested in fellowship programs have been successful in obtaining these positions. Others have sought and found positions in clinical practice in Stamford as well as in other communities throughout the country. As the face of healthcare changes, we expect to meet the challenge of providing an excellent fundamental education, which will prepare you well for the future.