Ob/Gyn Residency: Didactics and Curriculum
We offer a comprehensive educational curriculum that integrates evidence-based medicine, promotes critical thinking, and emphasizes the importance of effective communication and patient-centered care.
Grand Rounds and Core Didactics Conferences
These weekly conferences take place on Wednesday mornings according to the following schedule:
| 7:00 a.m. | Department Grand Rounds |
| 9:30 a.m. | Gynecology Conference |
| 10:15 a.m. | Obstetrics Conference |
| 11:00 a.m. | Core Curriculum Conference |
| 11:45 a.m. | Class Level Meetings |
During these sessions, residents’ clinical responsibilities are covered by our faculty and advanced practice providers.
Journal Clubs
As part of our Core Didactics Conferences, residents actively participate in department journal clubs. These sessions provide an opportunity to learn how to present and discuss articles while incorporating principles of evidence-based medicine.
Our journal clubs often include articles and discussions on health equity and disparities of care to foster a well-rounded understanding of current issues in the field.
Residents also have the option to join a Family Planning Journal Club, which is an elective gathering held outside of work hours.
Quizzes and Readings
We provide all residents with textbooks at the beginning of their residency, including the acclaimed Williams Obstetrics and Williams Gynecology.
Reading assignments are carefully selected from relevant chapters and corresponding ACOG practice guidelines. These assignments not only prepare residents for the annual CREOG in-training examination and the ABOG qualifying examination, but also serve as a foundation for their clinical rotations.
During each block, residents are required to take a quiz based on the assigned readings, and satisfactory performance on these quizzes is essential for promotion to the next level of training.
Simulation Center Curriculum
Our simulation curriculum goes beyond technical proficiency and focuses on fostering multidisciplinary teamwork and effective communication, which are crucial for patient safety.
UT Southwestern's Simulation Center offers specialized endo-suites where residents can develop and refine their surgical skills. Through hands-on experience and realistic simulations, residents gain confidence and competence in advanced surgical procedures.
Additional Program Curriculum
3D Systems Ultrasound Simulator
Throughout training, residents will have access to online SonoSim modules. During their Maternal-Fetal Medicine rotation, residents will utilize the state-of-the-art 3D Systems Ultrasound Simulator at the UT Southwestern Simulation Center to further develop their ultrasound skills.
Cesarean Delivery Training Curriculum
Our three-part training curriculum for cesarean deliveries includes formal didactic sessions, ensuring that residents receive thorough instruction and practical experience in this essential procedure.
Faculty-Led Forceps Simulation Training
To enhance knowledge and technical skills in forceps usage, our experienced faculty members will assess resident proficiency and guide trainees through proper placement and application of forceps. This training includes didactic sessions followed by practice sessions using mannequin models.
In-Situ Obstetrics Emergency Team Training
Twice a month, our program conducts multidisciplinary in-situ training sessions at Parkland, focusing on various obstetric emergencies such as postpartum hemorrhage, severe hypertension and eclampsia, shoulder dystocia, and maternal code. These simulations emphasize effective communication skills critical for ensuring patient safety and improving patient outcomes.
IUD Placement
Residents will learn and demonstrate the correct techniques for placing and removing contraceptive implants such as the Nexplanon, as well as copper- and levonorgestrel-containing IUDs. Additionally, residents gain proficiency in IUD placement following the third stage of labor.
Karl Storz C.A.R.E. Program: Hysteroscopy
Our residents have the opportunity to participate in the Karl Storz C.A.R.E. program twice a year. This hands-on training focuses on diagnostic and operative hysteroscopic procedures, allowing residents to practice essential skills using both rigid and flexible hysteroscopes and bipolar resectoscopes in low-fidelity and virtual reality simulations. This curriculum also covers resectoscopy and hysteroscopic sterilization techniques.
Laparoscopic Skills
Our curriculum for laparoscopic skills development addresses key aspects such as tactile feedback, spatial orientation, manual dexterity, and psychomotor skills. Starting with the basics of camera control, residents will progress to advanced laparoscopic techniques such as suturing and knot-tying. Each resident receives a box trainer for home practice.
During Parkland Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility rotations, dedicated time is provided for completing the curriculum and certification testing for the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery.
Manual Vacuum Aspiration
Throughout residency, trainees will participate in a simulation lab where they will learn uterine evacuation using a manual vacuum aspirator. This curriculum also includes didactics on uterine evacuation using medication regimens.
Open I & II Knot-Tying/Suturing Skills
Our comprehensive knot-tying and suturing curriculum includes both commonly used open surgery techniques and more advanced skills. Residents will learn various techniques for knot tying, running suturing, subcuticular suturing, and controlling suture tension, all aimed at increasing surgical proficiency.
Cadaver Labs
On the Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery rotation, residents will participate in biweekly cadaver labs, allowing for advanced anatomic dissection and simulation of hysterectomy and urogynecologic procedures.
Robotics: The da Vinci Surgical System
Our robotics curriculum encompasses online pre-course work, hands-on training for docking and bedside assisting, console dry lab practice, and virtual reality training.
Upon completion, residents will receive a certificate of training on the Intuitive da Vinci Surgical System, enabling them to serve as a bedside assistant and console surgeon under faculty supervision in the operating room.
Simulation Olympics
At the end of each year, residents take part in the Simulation Olympics, a series of engaging and challenging events sponsored by our Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery specialists.
These events test surgical skills and communication abilities with activities including blindfolded laparoscopy, laparoscopic painting, and group events such as human foosball and hungry-hungry-hippo.
We are committed to providing a dynamic and immersive training experience that combines leading-edge simulation technology with expert guidance, enabling our residents to develop the skills necessary for a successful career in obstetrics and gynecology.