Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology
About the Program
TTUHSC has a four-year program designed to prepare each individual to begin practicing in the private sector, or to pursue a career in academic medicine. Sub-specialty training is also available through fellowship study, providing for extensive opportunities in continuing medical education.
The obstetrics rotation is directed by the Director of Obstetrics in consultation with Maternal-Fetal Medicine sub specialist. Residents deal with both low- and high-risk patients during their time on this service. Each resident leaves the program with strong ultrasound experience due to hands-on training gained in the Perinatal Diagnostic Unit and Labor and Delivery. The average number of deliveries performed annually is 2,200 with a mix of department patients and high risk maternal transfer from acr oss West Texas and Eastern New Mexico. This volume and mix of patients guarantees each of the residents adequate experience to develop their obstetric expertise. On the gynecology rotation there is sufficient opportunity for exposure to the problems unique to modern women, including extensive gynecological surgery training primarily through UMC.
During their first year, Residents receive the ACOG required primary care training through a rotation in Family Medicine. Urogynecology and Gynecologic Oncology training are incorporated into the PGY III and/or IV rotations. One-on-one training with two board certified gynecologic oncologists during the oncology rotation exposes the residents to the latest techniques in oncology treatment. During the Urogynecology rotation, residents are exposed to current medical and surgical treatments of urological problems unique to the female patient.
During the third and fourth year, the residents rotate through the Endocrine/Infertility Clinic at Texas Tech and Covenant. In this specialty the residents have the opportunity to help women gain control of their fertility and to correct their hormone imbalances. In addition to the above clinics, PGY I - PGY IV are also assigned to the continuity of care clinics, where residents (depending on educational level) have the opportunity to participate in the overall, long-term care of individual patients much as they will in private practice. Geriatric medicine is integrated into PGY I and II years. Residents follow nursing home patients longitudinally over the two years on a monthly basis.
The faculty of TTUHSC represents a wide range of interests. Different members of the staff are involved with genetics, fetal diagnostics, diabetic complicating pregnancy, infectious diseases in Ob/Gyn, gynecological urology, infertility, gynecological oncology, recurrent vulvovaginitis and menopause. Residents are encouraged to participate in and learn about these aspects of the specialty. The didactic portion of the residency program is as outlined. All residents are required to take the CREOG exam to monitor their progress.
