By a system of graded responsibility, he or she develops the clinical judgment, technical skills, and interpersonal abilities required of the modern obstetrician-gynecologist. An additional aim is the ability to critically analyze an increasingly complex body of medical literature. These objectives are attained by didactic instruction, clinical conferences and rounds, self-education, and progressive levels of responsibility in patient care. While the program is designed to provide the foundation for the clinical practice of obstetrics and gynecology, residents interested in academic medicine will find it an excellent preparation for this kind of career. Resident Conferences Residents are encouraged and supported in scholarly work, which may range from chart reviews to original laboratory or clinical research.
Residents also attend a local postgraduate conference that is presented each year.
Held in the fall, it is a general program in obstetrics and gynecology attended by approximately 200 physicians from Iowa and surrounding states. The University of Iowa Obstetric and Gynecologic Alumni Society, an organization of former residents, fellows, and faculty of the department, holds its annual meeting in conjunction with this fall conference. The Alumni Society supports an annual visiting professorship, providing for an individual of international renown to spend approximately two weeks in the department. During this time the major portion of the visiting professor's time is spent with residents. 21 of 24 months are spent at UIHC with two months in the third year in Des Moines and one month in the fourth year in Des Moines.