Five-Year Procedure Volume Outcomes From a Dedicated Obstetrics and Gynecology Rural-Track Residency

Abstract

One reason for the alarming closure of rural obstetric units is a shortage of rural obstetrician–gynecologists (ob-gyns). Given that rural training influences future practice location, our institution initiated the first rural track for obstetrics and gynecology residents in 2017 to create a pathway for rural ob-gyns. The Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education procedure volume outcomes for the initial 5 years of the rural track were compared with the traditional main track. All residents exceeded required procedure minimums in each year. Compared with the main track, the rural track demonstrated lower numbers of operative deliveries, abortion procedures, and transvaginal ultrasonograms but higher vaginal hysterectomy numbers. These data provide evidence that rural tracks in obstetrics and gynecology can maintain procedure volumes while offering critical structured rural exposure for residents.