FAQ

What are the strengths of the program?

• Teaching by highly knowledgeable faculty
• Excellence in patient care
• Fully accredited by the ACGME
• Excellent ABFM board passage rate on the first attempt
• Procedures
• Commitment to education
• Research
• Technology
• Lifestyle
  
  

How big is the program?

The program accepts four residents per academic year.

How much office time?

Time spent in the office varies by PGY status and by rotation experience. On average, PGY 1 residents see patients two half-days per week, PGY 2 residents see patients three half-days per week and PGY 3 residents see patients four half days per week.

How much obstetrics is required?

We follow ACGME guidelines to ensure continuity experiences. Our residents spend two months during the PGY 1 year on the hospital’s labor and delivery floor, working directly under the supervision of obstetricians. PGY 2 residents participate in a group prenatal care model covering a panel of approximately eight to 10 patients, which is co-managed by two residents. The continuity physicians follow patients through prenatal care, delivery, the postpartum period and beyond, caring for mothers and newborns. There are options to increase obstetrics experiences to meet an individual resident’s interests and goals for practice. 

What is call like?

PGY 1 residents take call and shifts on schedules that vary by rotation, acting as a member of the specialty service with which they are rotating. PGY 2 and PGY 3 residents take call from home, covering the residency practice. On average, our PGY 2 and PGY 3 residents take four to six calls per month. Our program follows ACGME clinical and education work hours expectations with no exceptions.  

How does being in a community-based program differ from an academic center?

Our community-based program allows significant direct patient contact and allows more assumption of responsibility for the care of the patient as residents progress through training. Our residents communicate directly with our faculty as well as with specialist attendings. We see a variety of pathologies. With more than 350 beds here at Mercy St. Elizabeth Youngstown, there is ample opportunity to see both common and uncommon diagnoses. As a community hospital with a long history in medical education, all physicians in Mercy Health Youngstown expect to speak with and teach our residents during patient care encounters. 

How much time should I spend studying?

Ideally, we would advise residents spend an hour a day studying beyond any rotational or residency requirements. Spending one hour per day studying and reading about your patients sets you up for success in lifelong learning. 

Can residents moonlight?

Residents in good academic standing can moonlight when they meet all hospital and program requirements to do so, and this must be approved by the program director.  Residents who moonlight are responsible for arranging their own malpractice coverage. Please note that moonlighting hours count toward duty hour requirements and residents are not permitted to exceed these.

What is the availability of faculty?

Our residency is well-supported with an excellent resident-to-faculty ratio, and attendings are always available for questions or concerns. We have an open-door policy, and all faculty are approachable and welcome opportunities to teach. Formally, there are scheduled meetings, performance evaluations and educational sessions. 

What is the opportunity for procedures?

Our residency provides excellent opportunities for, and training in, outpatient procedures. Faculty physicians supervise all procedures in the office. Residents and faculty identify the need for procedural intervention on office patients, and appropriate procedures are scheduled in our office. Various procedures include endometrial biopsy, shave skin biopsy, punch skin biopsy, skin excisions, joint and bursa aspirations and injections, incision and drainage, cryotherapy, splinting and more.