FacultyResidentsCurriculumActivitiesFor Applicants

The Grand Rapids Medical Education & Research Center (Education & Research Center) is the official sponsor for all residency programs in Grand Rapids. Education & Research Center has research support personal available to residents for developing research protocols, analyzing statistical data and other aspects of research.

Overview of Program

Interview dates
Interview dates start in December and run through January. We generally interview 45-50 applicants.

Number of positions per year
Each year eight new resident positions are available. The residency program uses the ERAS system for applicants to apply to the program for interview.


GRMERC Eligibility & Selection Policy


Program Coordinator/ Education Office

Dr. Stephen Rechner- Program Director
email: stephen.rechner@spectrum-health.org
Cathie Hansen - Program Coordinator
phone: 616-391-1929
email: cathie.hansen@spectrum-health.org
fax: 616-391-3174
Anne Key - Assistant Program Coordinator
email: anne.key@spectrum-health.org

U.S. Postal Address:
330 Barclay NE
Suite 102
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Residency Recruitment: 2006-2007
Interview dates start in October and continue through early December. Generally interview 60-80 applicants. 322 applied to our program, 81 interviews were offered to students.

Third Year Student Rotations
We are one of the clinical campuses for Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Third year medical students are routinely assigned to our three hospitals. Third year students on their Ob/Gyn rotation follow laboring patients, assist with vaginal deliveries, often 2nd assist on cesarean sections, and follow the postpartum course of the patients whose labor they were involved in.
In Gynecology, third year students 2nd assist with minor and major gynecologic surgeries and follow these patients during their post op course.
In their clinical outpatient rotations, third year medical students follow residents as they see their own patients in the clinic, including normal and high risk obstetric patients and gynecologic patients.

Fourth Year Student Rotations
Sub-internships for fourth year medical students may be performed in Obstetrics and Gynecology In-Patient, Obstetrics and Gynecology Out-Patient, Perinatology, Reproductive Endocrinology, and Gynecologic Oncology.
We routinely have fourth year medical students present at our three campuses on an elective sub-internship.

Electives

Elective Name: ADVANCED OB/GYN INPATIENT
Course No: OGR 609
Prerequisite: REQ'D OB/GYN CLERKSHIP
Institutions: *SPECTRUM BUTTERWORTH, *SPECTRUM BLODGETT, *SMHS *Seniors Intern Equiv.

Objectives:

  1. The student will gain in-depth experience in the management of obstetrical patients in a community hospital setting.
  2. The student will further develop basic clinical skills related to the care of female patients.
  3. The student will learn to recognize high risk and complex obstetrical patients.
  4. The student will have frequent exposure to common gynecological problems both surgical and non-surgical.
  5. The student will gain experience in the total care of postpartum patients.
  6. The student will observe specialized OB/GYN procedures.
Description:
This is an internship-like clinical experience in OB/GYN and the student will function as an involved team member. It offers participation in prenatal and postpartum clinics and in the management of obstetrical and gynecological problems in the outpatient setting. Students have the opportunity to observe specialized OB/GYN procedures, to assist as assigned in labor and delivery and to follow the progress of their OB patients. Students will be involved with management of high-risk OB patients. The student is encouraged to attend weekly OB/GYN lectures and seminars. Inpatient: 75%; Outpatient: 25%.
Evaluation:
Preceptor(s) will be asked to submit a written evaluation at the conclusion of the clerk-ship. Faculty are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback throughout elective rotations.

Elective Name: ADVANCED OB/GYN OUTPATIENT
Course No: OGR 609
Prerequisite: REQUIRED OB/GYN CLERKSHIP
Institution: PRIVATE OFFICE, CLINICS

Objectives:

  1. The student will gain in-depth experience in the management of obstetrical patients in private office settings.
  2. The student will further develop basic clinical skills related to the care of female patients.
  3. The student will learn to recognize high risk and complex obstetrical patients.
  4. The student will have exposure to common gynecological problems both surgical and non-surgical.
  5. The student will gain experience in the total care of postpartum patients.
  6. The student will observe specialized OB/GYN procedures, as available.
Description:
This is a clinical experience in which the student will follow a specific preceptor in the private office and/or hospital clinic setting. Students have the opportunity to observe specialized OB/GYN procedures and to learn about private practice by working directly with an OB/GYN practioner. Students are encouraged to attend weekly OB/GYN lectures and seminars whenever possible.

Evaluation:
Preceptor(s) will be asked to submit a written evaluation at the conclusion of the clerkship. Faculty are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback throughout elective rotations.

Elective Name: REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY
Course No: OGR 611
Prerequisite: REQUIRED OB/GYN CLERKSHIP
Institution: SPECTRUM BLODGETT AND SPECTRUM BUTTERWORTH

Objectives & Description:
This elective rotation is flexible according to student interest and needs, but it concentrates on clinical problems in fertility control, reproductive endocrinology and female infertility. Under supervision, the student will see new and return-visit outpatients. Occasional inpatient admissions will be worked up and followed. Some male infertility may be included. Clinical experiences will include both in- and out-patient situations. In vitro fertilization techniques will be discussed.

Evaluation:
Preceptor(s) will be asked to submit a written evaluation at the conclusion of the clerk-ship. Faculty are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback throughout elective rotations.

Elective Name: PERINATOLOGY
Course No: OGR 610
Prerequisite: REQ'D OB/GYN CLERKSHIP
Institution: SPECTRUM BUTTERWORTH AND SPECTRUM BLODGETT

Objectives:

  1. The student will gain experience in the management of complex obstetrical patients.
  2. The student will learn to recognize risk factors, medical problems of the high risk mother and fetus, and appropriate clinical management.
  3. The student will develop an understanding of technology related to management of the high risk pregnancy, including electronic fetal monitoring, ultra-sound, and biochemical test.
Description:
The purpose of this elective is to introduce the student to the management of complicated obstetrical patients. The student will actively participate in patient care, both in the hospital and on an outpatient basis.

Evaluation:
Preceptor(s) will be asked to submit a written evaluation at the conclusion of the clerk-ship. Faculty are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback throughout elective rotations.

Elective Name: GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Course No: OGR 612
Prerequisite: REQUIRED OB/GYN CLERKSHIP
Institution: SPECTRUM BLODGETT

Objectives & Description:
This elective clerkship offers clinical experience in inpatient and ambulatory gynecologic oncology, breast disease and some complicated non-malignant gynecology. This experience is offered in the preceptor mode. There is opportunity for outpatient evaluation and participation in pre-treatment patient evaluation. Experience is offered in cancer surgery, radiation techniques and evaluation, and management of complications both of malignancy and of its therapy.

Evaluation:
Preceptor(s) will be asked to submit a written evaluation at the conclusion of the clerk-ship. Faculty are encouraged to provide ongoing feedback throughout elective rotations.