Opportunities and barriers in global women's health training during obstetrics and gynecology residencies in the USA

Objective: To systematically measure the scope and breadth of global women's health (GWH) training opportunities during obstetrics and gynecology residencies in the USA, as described by program directors (PDs).

Methods: In a questionnaire-based study, PDs were asked to complete a web-based survey between January 1 and March 15, 2013. Information about the residency program and GWH opportunities was obtained.

Results: Among 236 PDs contacted, 105 (44.5%) responded. Overall, 82 (78.1%) reported that at least one resident had participated in a GWH rotation during the past 5 years, 36 (34.3%) offered formal didactics, and 29 (27.6%) offered a formal rotation in GWH. Among all respondents, 43 (42.2%) reported having at least one faculty member for whom GWH is a dedicated part of their practice. Programs with dedicated GWH faculty were more likely to offer formal GWH didactics (relative risk [RR] 1.84; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.07-3.14; P=0.03), but were not significantly more likely to offer a formal GWH rotation (RR 1.91; 95% CI 0.97-3.70; P=0.06).

Conclusion: Many residency programs provide opportunities for GWH training, but few offer formal didactics or a formal rotation.