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Diversity in OBGYN Specialty and Subspecialty Training

Purpose: To compare diversity trends in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) residency and fellowship programs.

Background: OBGYN residency has historically been dominated by white women. There is little reported on the sex and racial background of fellows pursuing sub-specialization in OBGYN.

Methods: All physicians in Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) programs from 2012-2019 were compared with focus on OBGYN residency and fellowship programs (Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS), Gynecologic Oncology (GYNONC), Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM), and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)). Chi-square tests were used where appropriate. Cochran-Armitage trend test assessed trends over time.

Results: From 2012 to 2019 males in all residency programs increased 0.88% (from 53.92% male to 54.8%, p< .0001). From 2014 to 2016 there were less males in OBGYN compared to all residency programs (16.69% vs. 54.71%, p< .0001).

All OBGYN fellowships combined had a higher percentage of males than OBGYN residencies (24.14% vs. 16.89%, p< .0001). MFM had the most males (26.7%) compared to GYNONC (25.18%), FPMRS (21.36%), and REI (20.09%) (p=.024).

There were no trends in sex or race over time in OBGYN residency or fellowship. All residency programs, OBGYN residencies, and OBGYN fellowships had more white than non-white trainees. GYNONC had the highest rate of white trainees (73.45%), followed by MFM (67.8%), REI (65.62%), then FPMRS (60%) (p=.0003).

Discussions: Residents continue to be predominantly male and their numbers are growing. Although OBGYN  residency programs are mostly female, fellowship data suggest systemic issues in recruitment of women and people of color into OBGYN fellowships.

Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Student, Resident, Faculty, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Professionalism, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, GME, Advocacy,