What our residents have to say...

Residents in the CU OB-GYN program have tremendous exposure to and practice in performing operative vaginal deliveries, particularly forceps assisted vaginal deliveries. Those that have completed this program have found this to be an important and, at times, uncommon skill as many programs do not provide this training.​​​​​

As residents, we have 24/7 access to our comprehensive simulation lab which holds various laparoscopic training modules, instruments, sutures, and access to drills to improve skills. We also have regularly scheduled simulation labs where we have the opportunity to practice with the various hysteroscopic instruments.

There is also a robust obstetric simulation program, including experience with operative vaginal delivery, breech delivery, and shoulder dystocia.​​

At this program, interns start operating on day 1 (of course with appropriate supervision).

Obstetrics: If interns are starting on L&D rotations, they start performing vaginal deliveries, cesarean sections, and postpartum tubal ligations on day one.

Gynecology: Interns that start on GYN rotations start the year developing skills in hysteroscopy and laparoscopy. Often, interns have the opportunity to participate in open cases as well and play an active role in any surgical procedure that is appropriate for their skill set.

Each month we have a meeting with our program directors and all residents are covered to attend. In these meet​ings, any updates and changes are discussed and residents are given the opportunity to raise any concerns, questions, and/or suggestions. This provides an environment where residents truly have a huge impact on how this program is run and how we can improve it. Each of us can provide various examples of changes that have been made based on resident suggestions/requests. It truly speak to the impact and voice that residents have in this program.​​​

​On most rotations, the chiefs have a Morbidity and Mortality conference during which they prepare to answer questions in oral board style. This provides excellent practice for oral boards and also helps to provide an avenue to discuss difficult cases, cases with unusual components, or those with unexpected outcomes.​​​​

We perform a great deal of vaginal surgery including vaginal hysterectomies.

We have access to robotic training while also finding a balance to ensure that it does not diminish our laparoscopic training.

We have a Dropbox account full of resources for every rotation, relevant articles, and great information to know. These files are cherished by residents!

Our residents have a tremendous amount of comradery. Many of them spend a great deal of time together, even outside of work. They plan hiking trips, skiing trips, happy hours, concerts, exercise classes, dinner, brunch, and any activity that they may wish! They celebrate weddings, births, holidays, and sporting events together!

Twice per year each class is covered to go out to dinner together. This is a protected time where everyone can get together, eat good food, relax, and catch up. It is an absolute treat!​​​​

Toward the end of each year, we have a daylong resident retreat where classes R1-R3 attend an event involving games, competitions, food, and relaxation. After spending the morning together, we spend time talking about upcoming changes, schedules for the next year, and other matters of business. Each year it is different and each year the fun that is had is unforgettable!​​​

In the last week of the academic year, interns have a week of vacation together so that they can catch up and get to know each other even more than before! Past classes have gone to Mexico, lake houses, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and various other adventures. It provides for uninterrupted time to get away as a class and is a truly unique feature of this program! ​​​

At the beginning of intern year each intern will become the newest member of a family of residents that is comprised of one resident from each class. This family will stay together for the entire residency and facilitate a smaller group of people within the residency program with whom residents can connect. These families will also facilitate mentoring by having a resident member from each class. Residents can meet with their families to unwind, talk about challenges they face in residency, and have fun! ​​​

Our vacation schedules are great! Each year we have 3 weeks of vacation leave and the program prioritizes time with family over the holidays.​​​​

Residents have garage parking at all hospitals. While this may not seem instrumental, with the life of a resident, having access to reliable parking is a tremendous benefit that is not universal across programs.​​​

We are offered inexpensive and high quality health insurance!​​​

We have a well-established Ryan Residency Training program and Fellowship in Family Planning. Residents benefit from training in all aspects of uterine evacuation and contraception, evidence-based techniques and practices, and increased opportunities for research. Faculty and residents who receive Ryan training report improved competence in a wide range of clinical skills. This training is offered on an opt-out basis, to the level of resident comfort.

For more information, please visit www.ryanprogram.org​.