How would you describe the culture of your residency?
The mission of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at UCLA is to implement the four pillars of the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA; clinical service, research, education and community service. The Department seeks to excel in all areas of women’s health. This includes the delivery of state-of-the art health care to women of all ages based on best available practices, research devoted to advancing women’s health through basic, translational and clinical exploration, and a commitment to training the next generation of providers and researchers devoted to improving women’s health.
How has your program supported resident wellness?
Formally we offer wellness days on a quarterly basis, resident call and master schedules are completed by the individual classes (so that they have as much control as they can over their work schedule). We have instituted site meetings that meet monthly to address resident concerns so that they can be discussed and/or dealt with in a timely manner. Informally, our chief classes are excellent at planning fun activities outside or work, our faculty are very good about keeping the residents well fed and hopefully as we come out of COVID we will have more opportunities to hang out in person!
How has your program supported diversity, inclusion, and equity (DEI) either at your institution or in the surrounding community?
Many faculty and residents take part in DGSOM programming for URM students interested in residency at UCLA. We have our own EDI coalition that works on the departmental side that focuses on increasing, supporting and retaining diversity in our program, with our faculty, staff and in our clinics and with patients. Our multidisciplinary perinatal EDI coalition comprised of nursing staff, NICU, and anesthesia works to make sure we are addressing important issues looking at practices that support institutional racism in our hospital.
What are unique features of your program that you would like to highlight?
Beyond the exceptional training that you get as a physician and surgeon here at UCLA, the bonds that you create with your co-residents and faculty is one of my favorite things about working here. It is a pleasure to work in a place where you are surrounded by people that you love and admire.
Also, with our three main clinical sites (UCLA Westwood, UCLA Santa Monica, and Olive View) the patient population is a true representation of what Los Angeles has to offer.
Is there any advice that you would like to share with the LMSA community?
We are working hard to have our department and trainees reflect the diversity of the city that we serve. If we were not on your radar before, we should be because we have made a lot of progress toward creating a more diverse residency and program.
Contact:
Email: eoberman@mednet.ucla.edu
Name: Erica Oberman