IDEAL RESIDENCY CURRICULUM IN REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY AND INFERTILITY

Objective: Knowledge in reproductive endocrinology and infertility is fundamental to the delivery of quality women's health care. In 1991, t he American Fertility Society formed a resident education committee to gather data on the current status of reproductive endocrinology and i nfertility training and develop an ideal curriculum. Methods: Program directors and reproductive endocrinology and infertility faculty from 288 residencies in obstetrics and gynecology were surveyed about train ing in reproductive endocrinology and infertility; 257 (89%) of the pr ogram directors (survey I) and 203 (82%) of the reproductive endocrino logy and infertility faculty (survey II) responded. An ideal curriculu m has been developed from consensus discussions, review of survey data , and polling of experienced educators. The curriculum was reviewed an d approved by the board of directors of both the Society for Reproduct ive Endocrinologists and the American Fertility Society. Results: The curriculum is divided into subject matter and therapeutics, which are prioritized into three levels of knowledge: critical core curriculum, less critical material, and material with which residents should have familiarity and general knowledge. In addition, other recommendations and suggestions are made regarding the number of rotations, duration o f rotations, and teaching methods. Conclusion: The ideal curriculum ma y serve as a guide to assist program directors in the formulation of t he most effective residency training in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. The curriculum can help prioritize what should be taught and where an emphasis can be placed. There is not enough time or reso urces to teach residents all aspects of reproductive endocrinology and infertility.