The faculty at UPMC Shadyside includes eight family doctors who actively practice obstetrics and two board-certified obstetricians. This mix allows residents to have a family practice doctor as the primary preceptor on deliveries done by the residents, but with immediate OB backup. The use of Jacuzzis, birthing balls, and intermittent monitoring are all commonly used during labor and delivery at UPMC Shadyside. Residents will be taught the aspects involved in routine longitudinal prenatal care throughout their entire residency. Residents will spend six weeks each year during the first two years of residency on labor and delivery.
Elective rotations are available during the third year as well.
The flexibility of this curriculum allows some residents to fulfill the minimum RRC requirement for deliveries while others pursue a more high-volume experience. The number of deliveries will depend on each resident's desires, goals, and aspirations for OB practice. All residents complete the ALSO course and are encouraged to learn obstetric ultrasound and first assisting on C-sections. During training, residents will learn routine office gynecologic procedures, and they will have the opportunity to learn procedures such as colposcopy, IUD insertion, and endometrial biopsy. Residents are taught the importance of family planning and contraceptive counseling throughout residency.