Education

The postgraduate education program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster University is designed to train residents to practice competent clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology and successfully complete the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons’ qualifying examination. For most residents, the training program will be five years in length. Completion of the entire program depends on satisfactory completion of each of the components within the program.

The Residency Training Program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster University is a totally integrated program involving three hospitals within the city as well as opportunities to train in several other neighbouring community hospitals. The hospitals in Hamilton are themselves coordinated in a series of regional programs which concentrate specialized facilities at certain hospitals and provide mutual support for other specialized facilities which are needed at all hospitals. The results are that the residents receive a good variety of clinical experience from the large referral base.

The Royal College Specialty Committee in Obstetrics and Gynecology has accepted the CREOG goals and objectives as its own goals and objectives for specialty training. Following the CANMEDS framework, the postgraduate program in Obstetrics and Gynecology at McMaster University has additional goals and objectives that it feels are necessary for satisfactory training as a consultant in the specialty. A minimum standard for performance in all CANMEDS domains must be mastered to merit advancement in the residency program.

The residency program is arranged on a five level basis, with each level usually equated to one year in the program. The program is problem-centred and experience-based: residents carry out their duties and responsibilities under faculty supervision. As the resident progresses through the program, the level of supervision decreases and the degree of autonomy increases.

The first postgraduate year (PGY1) is a broad-based clinical year, in which residents develop foundational skills with broad applications. The PGY2 year focuses on the attainment of general obstetrical and gynecological knowledge and skills. The PGY3 and PGY4 years of the program are structured around the development of skills pertaining to the sub-specialty areas. The final PGY5 year involves time performing as a Chief Resident.

• Specific information for each level: PGY1-5

WEB eVAL is here! WEB e​VAL is a medical education administration software product that has been designed by Dr. Ric Arseneau, an internist at the University of British Columbia. The program was originally implemented in Internal Medicine at UBC. This system is a program that provides electronic interface for evaluation forms that are presently used: resident, faculty and rotation evaluations. WEB eVAL will help to provide evaluation in a timely manner and help to make the evaluation process more meaningful and effective.

The Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology Postgraduate Education Committee is composed of the Residency Program Director, the Department Chair, the faculty Research Coordinator, the MFM Fellowship Program Director, the three hospital site coordinators, the Department Associate Chair and a resident representative from each year. This committee meets monthly.

There are elective opportunities available in general Obstetrics & Gynecology as well as the subspecialty areas. Students, clerks, and residents outside of the McMaster Obstetrics & Gynecology Program who are looking for elective opportunities should contact our Clerkship and Electives Program Coordinator. 

Postgraduate Program Coordinator

NOTE: all applications to the Residency Program MUST go through CaRMS, CEHPEA, or McMaster Postgraduate Education (for outside funded applicants only). We do not accept any applications sent directly to the office.