Basics

Residents Practicing in Simulation Lab

Training at a Glance

The University of Iowa Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency offers the opportunity to obtain training at a nationally recognized ACGME program with world-class facilities. The University of Iowa residency offers the surgical, obstetrical and subspecialty volume to become a well-trained private practitioner or to pursue a subspecialty fellowship. There are four ACGME accredited fellowship programs within the department:

  • Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Maternal Fetal Medicine
  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Iowa City like?

Few places combine the ease of small-city living with the wealth of large-city services and entertainment that you'll find in the Iowa City and surrounding area. We invite you to discover the features that make our community a great place to call home. There are 15 different festivals and art fairs, plus concerts and race events. There are many music venues, sports events and neighborhood street fairs and garden walks. We have a large mall and several small boutiques, 41 parks, nine golf courses, six public tennis courts, six public pools, lakes and a reservoir with trails, camping and boating. There are bike trails, some famous bookstores, a ton of galleries and excellent museums. There are half a dozen or more performing arts venues. There's always something going on. Learn more about Iowa City's employment opportunities, housing options, schools, and area attractions.

What are the fellowship opportunities available?

We have four ACGME accredited fellowship programs:

  • Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Maternal Fetal Medicine
  • Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility

Is this a family friendly program?

Yes! We love children and support residents in their efforts to balance work with family life. Please refer to the Graduate Medical Education policy for GME Trainees Paid Time Off and Leave of Absence. The house staff health insurance policy, provides full coverage for spouses and children. There are several childcare facilities near the hospital and one on-site.

Is there sufficient patient volume so that I can have multiple exposures to a variety of conditions?

The University of Iowa residency offers the surgical, obstetrical and subspecialty volume to become a well-trained private practitioner or to pursue a subspecialty fellowship. Our faculty physicians and nurse midwives deliver about 2,200 babies and see more than 59,000 outpatient visits annually.

What is the program's balance between primary and specialty care?

The UI Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology provides consultation, comprehensive treatment planning, and a broad range of services for patients with normal and high-risk pregnancies and for gynecology, including oncology and reproductive endocrinology. More than 2,000 patients are delivered annually.

In keeping with the institution's tertiary care role, a large proportion represents complicated or high-risk conditions. The gynecologic oncology program is an integral unit of the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Iowa. Additional specialty areas include: genetics counseling, female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, infertility, in-vitro fertilization, menopause, pelvic pain, premenstrual syndrome, prenatal diagnostics, reproductive care and sexual health.

What's the call schedule like?

Call is limited to Friday evening through Sunday. Weekend call is in house with the following schedule: Friday night plus Sunday day (5:30 p.m. Friday - Saturday 8:00 a.m., Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.), or Saturday day and night (Saturday 8:00 a.m.-Sunday 8:00 a.m.). There is no home call.

Do you have a research project requirement for graduation?

To help ensure a meaningful and successful research experience, residents follow a research curriculum with set project deliverables over the course of their 4 years here. During the first year, residents choose a project and mentor and draft the background section of their paper. They present a brief overview of the project’s background, hypothesis, and aims to the department. The residents receive feedback from the faculty as well as a scholarly project committee. In the second year, residents draft their methods section and complete any necessary applications or training required for their work. During a brief department-wide presentation, the resident reviews the approach and methods that they are using. The residents again receive feedback from their scholarly project committee. In the third year, residents have protected time to perform their research. It is expected that residents will have their project completed by the end of their 3rd year and will have a draft of their completed paper. At a meeting with their scholarly project committee, the resident will present their project in its entirety and also receive feedback on their paper before the fall of their 4th year. Fourth year residents present their completed scholarly projects at the department’s annual postgraduate course. Residents are strongly encouraged to present their research at regional and national meetings as well as to submit their manuscript for publication. Additionally, didactic teaching is provided throughout residency in principles of research including project design, statistical analysis, manuscript preparation, presentation skills, translational research, and ethics.

What's Iowa got that other programs don't?

  • Ryan Program provides training in all aspects of uterine evacuation and contraception.
  • The Department has a dedicated residency coordinator, librarian, IT support staff, and statistician.
  • Iowa City is a highly intellectual community with premier arts events that are accessible to residents in terms of cost and location.
  • We have an outstanding school system for children in grades K-12.
  • A great training program and a high quality of life at an affordable price.
  • If you have additional questions please contact our program coordinator at nanci-wieneke@uiowa.edu

Program Accreditation

The obstetrics and gynecology residency at UI Hospitals & Clinics is accredited by the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education. Information specific to program requirements for an obstetrics and gynecology training program may be found at the ACGME’s Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Review Committee.

Quick Facts

By the Numbers!

  • 6 residents are accepted each year (2 ObGyn Rural Track residents; 4 in the Main ObGyn Track)
  • 24 total residents are ACGME approved for our training program
  • Approximately 25% of our graduating residents go on to fellowships
  • Over 30 faculty members train and mentor obstetrics and gynecology residents

Scheduling Rotations

  • Each R1 has a rotation through the Emergency Treatment Center (ETC) at the University of Iowa Health Care.
  • Most rotations are scheduled at the UI Hospital & Clinics.
  • R3s and R4s pursue elective rotations which may be at University of Iowa Health Care or elsewhere. 
  • All electives must be approved by the Program Director.

Benefits

  • Competitive stipends
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, hospitalization and pharmacy benefits for residents/fellows and their dependents
  • 21 days of annual paid time off.

Learn more about our benefits. 

Board Certification Requirements