Step 1: Explore the Specialty
Before you pursue a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology, it's important to be well informed about the specialty. We've put together a great collection of articles and resources which are essential reading for the aspiring OB/GYN.
These articles will give you a better idea of the pros and cons of a career in the field, trends in the specialty, and hot-topic issues for trainees.
Hot Topics, Concerns, and Future Directions in Obstetrics & Gynecology
Step 2: Review Ob/Gyn Match Data
Over the past two decades, obstetrics and gynecology has become significantly more competitive. During that time, there has been nearly a 25% increase in the number of applicants. However, the total number of positions has only increased by about 15%. In 2024, of the 1,074 US MD senior applicants who applied, 149 failed to match. The numbers are significantly worse for osteopathic and international medical graduate applicants with failure to match rates of 32% and 40%, respectively.
Ob/Gyn-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. MD 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. MD Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Ob/Gyn-Charting Outcomes in the Match for U.S. DO 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of U.S. DO Seniors Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Ob/Gyn-Charting Outcomes in the Match for IMGs 2024
Charting Outcomes™: Characteristics of International Medical Graduates Who Matched to Their Preferred Specialty: 2024 Main Residency Match®
Step 3: Understand Residency Selection Criteria
"We receive about 410 applications each year for our six PGY-1 positions, and we interview 70 candidates each year," writes the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Carolinas HealthCare.
To maximize your chances of matching with your first-choice residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, you must become well informed as early as possible. In particular, you need to know the criteria residency programs use to select residents.
We recommend beginning with the following resources:
Ob/Gyn-2024 NRMP Program Director Survey
Charting Outcomes™: Program Director Survey Results, 2024 Main Residency Match®
Check out these other recommended resources
Step 4: Develop your Strategy for Success
The process of matching into the specialty and/or program of your choice begins well before it’s time to work on the residency application. Success is the culmination of many decisions and actions that take place over a period of several years.
Many medical students struggle to become strong residency applicants not because they are not talented or hardworking, but because they lack knowledge or guidance about the actions they should take to position themselves for future success.
Complicating matters even further is the rapidly changing landscape in residency admissions making it difficult for both residency applicants and mentors to stay well informed. A recent study showed that 75% of faculty advisors had advising concerns due to lack of knowledge of current practices or recent changes to the residency application.
As competition for positions in the obstetrics and gynecology residency match intensifies, it's more important than ever to be an informed candidate who has the "right" strategy for success. To develop the optimal strategy, use our book, The Successful Match. It's been designated recommended or required reading by the Association of American Medical Colleges, American Medical Women's Association, and numerous allopathic and osteopathic medical schools.
AMSA wrote the book "provides the medical student reader with detailed preparation for the matching process." Fully updated in 2025 with over 1,000 pages of powerful information, the book is a must-have resource to help you stand out from the competition.
This book will empower you to become a stronger obstetrics and gynecology residency applicant. Inside, you'll find answers to the following questions and much more:
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The standardized letter of evaluation is a relatively new part of the residency application in obstetrics and gynecology. What's in this letter and what can you do during the rotation to earn the highest ratings in this letter?
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Should you do an away or audition elective in obstetrics and gynecology? And how can you impress faculty and residents during an away elective? Tips from program directors are offered in the book.
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What do program directors recommend that you address in the personal statment?
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Step 5: Make the Most of your Preclinical Years
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships and Awards
Winning medical school scholarships and awards can provide a major boost to your residency application, and set you apart from your peers. Awards can be placed in the application, MSPE (Dean's Letter), letters of recommendation, and CV. We have found that interviewers often ask about awards during residency interviews.
Step 7: Assess your USMLE Step 1 Score or COMLEX 1 Score
The USMLE or COMLEX is an important factor in the obstetrics and gynecology residency selection process. In 2018, the mean USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX 1 scores among matched students were 230 and 568, respectively. Among unmatched U.S. seniors and osteopathic students, the mean scores were 218 and 507, respectively.
Step 8: Strive for Success During Clerkships, Observreships and Externships
Grades in required or core clerkships are very important to obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. In a NRMP survey of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, 85% cited "grades in required clerkships" as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. Obstetrics and gynecology rotations are also of obvious importance to international medical graduates seeking positions in the field
Step 9: Prepare a Powerful Residency Application
Step 10: Develop a Powerful Personal Statement
In a survey of obstetrics and gynecology residency programs, 81% cited the personal statement as a factor in selecting applicants to interview. To better assess fit between the applicant and the program, some obstetrics and gynecology residency programs ask applicants to address specific questions in the statement.
Step 11: Deliver an Impressive Interview Performance
What if I didn't match?
If you were unsuccessful during your initial match cycle, you'll need to sit down with your dean or advisor to review your match strategy. In planning your reapplication, each of the steps above becomes even more important.
For those who seek additional expert assistance, we can provide that. Dr. Desai has had significant experience in helping re-applicants match successfully.
This is provided via a Strategy for Success Session. Dr. Desai will perform a comprehensive review of your credentials, assess your strengths and weaknesses, and provide you with a specific plan to implement tailored to your unique situation.