Tips for OB/GYN Interns
Written by Bianca Georgakopoulos, MD
1) How to stay positive?
It is key to have a life outside of medicine. I live with my husband and our three dogs that provide so much happiness after work. Hobbies are also ideal, so choose a place that has the things you like to do! After work, I usually have anywhere from 3-5 hours to spend how I want before going to bed for the next day.
2) How are the rotations/typical day for interns?
Rotations vary per program and some residencies have off-service rotations that include ICU or emergency medicine. Typically, during the first year, there are separate rotations for obstetrics and gynecology. Most programs have some variation of GYN oncology as well. A typical day for an intern varies based on the service (read my other posts, about days and night float, that talk about a day in the life for GYN and OB!). Most programs have 2-3 golden weekends every 5-6 weeks.
3) What procedures do interns do?
Interns usually do minor procedures, like hysteroscopies, laparoscopic bilateral salpingectomies, laparoscopic cystectomies, polypectomies, dilation and curettage, and LEEP and colposcopies (to name a few). We deliver babies vaginally and via cesarean section (for my program this happens on day one, but with some others, there may be a number to reach for vaginal deliveries before cesarean sections). Some programs also offer circumcision opportunities to their interns as well.
4) Resources to study?
A lot of residents like Prologs to study for CREOGs as well as the Williams textbooks. Other resources I like are UpToDate, ACOG practice bulletins and the True Learn question banks.
5) Any advice to new interns looking back?
The year flies by. I can’t believe I am ¾ of the way done with my intern year. I have learned so much and know I have so much more to learn but I genuinely love my job. It is so important to listen to yourself and your happiness through intern year. If you need help, tell your residency leadership. Their job is to make sure their residents are happy (or happier at least!). Good luck future colleague!
