An enhanced obstetrics track for a family practice residency program: Results from the first 6 years

Background: Advanced training in obstetrics for family physicians occurs through a variety of methods. The program described has developed an obstetrics track for family practice residents. Methods: Five residents have completed the 4-year residency program with enhanced obstetric training developed, and the results, in terms of procedural experience and examination scores, have been reviewed. Results: These 5 family physicians performed a similar number of obstetric procedures compared with their Obstetrics and Gynecology resident counterparts, and they performed as well as their family medicine resident counterparts on national in-service examinations. Conclusions: A 4-year enhanced obstetrics track is an effective means of improving the training of family medicine residents in obstetric procedures while maintaining the other fundamental training and residency review committee requirements for family medicine residents.