Overview of the Specialty
Obstetrics and Gynecology is a diversified specialty concerned with the delivery of medical and surgical care to women. Relationships with patients are long-term and are often maintained through the postmenopausal stage of a patient’s life. This field combines two specialties: obstetrics, which focuses on the care of women before, during and after childbirth, and gynecology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system. Obstetrician/gynecologists often serve as consultants to other physicians, but in many cases the obstetrician/gynecologist is a primary care physician with whom patients have regular contact and obtain medical advice and counseling.
At a Glance
Training
- 4 years of residency
- Categorical and advanced positions available
These are minimum requirements. Some programs may have longer residencies.
Fellowships
| Subspecialty | Length |
|---|---|
| Family Planning | 3 years |
| GYN Oncology | 3 years |
| Maternal-Fetal Medicine | 3 years |
| Reproductive Endocrinology | 3 years |
| Urogynecology | 3 years |
| Pediatric/Adolescent GYN | 1-2 years |
Lifestyle
| Median, Academic Salary | $274,000 |
| Median, Clinical Salary | $309,000 |
Source: Association of American Medical Colleges
Training Requirements
Training consists of a minimum of four years of ACGME-accredited clinically oriented graduate medical education of which three years must be focused in reproductive health care and ambulatory primary health care for women including health maintenance, disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, consultation and referral. There were 243 obstetrics/gynecology residency training programs accredited by the ACGME for 2014/15 that offered 1,255 categorical positions.
Matching Program Information and Match Statistics
Obstetrics and Gynecology residency training programs participate in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). Match results through the NRMP and competitiveness information for obstetrics and gynecology residency training positions are summarized in the U.S. Match Statistics table below.
US Match Statistics |
2015 |
2014 |
2013 |
2012 |
| Competitiveness* | Interm | Interm | Interm | Low |
| # Categorical/ Advanced positions available for U.S. Seniors | 1255 | 1242 | 1259 | 1240 |
| % U.S. Seniors matched* | 91% | 93% | 92% | 96% |
| # Unfilled Categorical/ Advanced Positions | 0 | 8 | 11 | 17 |
| # Unmatched U.S. seniors | 87 | 67 | 74 | 32 |
Source: NRMP Match results for U.S. seniors applying in a single specialty. *Competitiveness is based upon the percentage of U.S. Seniors who ranked each specialty as their only choice.
WUSM Match Statistics
For a list of WUSM match statistics for the past several years, please visit Search for WUSM Statistics. (password protected)
Subspecialty/Fellowship Training
Subspecialty/fellowship training following completion of an obstetrics and gynecology residency training program is available in reproductive endocrinology, gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology and family planning. Detailed information about the scope of these subspecialty training programs, number of positions offered, and length of training is available at the FREIDA website.
Visit AMA website »
Visit FREIDA website »
Career Information
FREIDA physician workforce information for each specialty includes statistical information on the number of positions/programs for residency training, resident work hours, resident work environment and compensation, employment status upon completion of program and work environment for those entering practice in each specialty.
Washington University Resources
- Washington University Office of Graduate Medical Education (GME): Information about graduate medical education at Washington University
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Recommendations
- Database of WUSM alumni searchable by Specialty, Year, and/or State (password protected)
Faculty Contacts
| Alison Cahill, MD | 747-1380 |
| Diane Merritt, MD | 747-1510 |
| Camaryn Chrisman Robbins, MD | 362-4591 |
| Amber Cooper, MD | 286-2417 |
| Anthony Shanks, MD | 362-1016 |
| Tammy Sonn, MD | 362-4591 |
| L. Stewart Massad, MD | 362-2288 |
| Eric Strand, MD | 362-4591 |
| George Macones, MD | 362-7139 |
| Jeffrey Peipert, MD | 747-6576 |