Curriculum

PGY-2 is a time to further develop one's obstetrical skills, such as complex repeat Cesarean sections and operative vaginal deliveries. The PGY-2 resident also becomes a mentor for the first-year residents, especially on labor and delivery. In Allentown, the PGY-2 resident takes on increasing responsibility in the OR and L&D. The night float rotation is an opportunity to manage the service more independently at Allentown. The skills learned on night float are an important building block to get the PGY-2 ready for their senior rotations at the higher acuity Anderson unit. During this year, the resident is exposed to more complex surgeries in the operating room during their gyn onc and benign gynecology rotations. They have the opportunity to perform more complex laparoscopic procedures as well as laparotomies and various other surgeries. On REI, the resident works in a busy practice which includes a private REI lab and performs surgery with the REI faculty. Finally, we have a designated research month which allows our residents concentrated time for data collection to ensure that a meaningful research project can be completed during their residency. Some of our residents have used this to take advantage of international research opportunities. For more information on the research requirement, please visit our section on Research and Publications. Our PGY-2 residents average two calls per month.

PGY-3 is devoted to the sub-specialty services of OB/GYN. On MFM, the resident learns to perform amniocentesis and complex ultrasounds including Doppler studies in addition to caring for high-risk patients in clinic and on the floor. On Gynecologic Oncology, the resident spends more time in the OR performing and assisting with pelvic dissection by laparotomy, laparoscopy and the robotic approach. Our Urogynecology rotation is well-known as a strong component of the residency program. The resident learns both medical and surgical management of incontinence and pelvic floor relaxation disorders and graduates with confidence in performing cystoscopy and many types of urogynecologic procedures. They return to REI for another four-week rotation to build on what they already learned during their PGY-2 year. The PGY-3 residents have an opportunity to rotate at a private facility in the area that provides family planning and abortion services. They have weekly complex contraception clinic in addition to educational sessions with our designated faculty member during this rotation.  Our PGY-3 residents average two calls per month.