Research Training for Residents

With the strong tradition of biomedical research at Washington University, we integrate research training throughout the residency help our residents master basic concepts of research. At the beginning of the PGY-2 year, residents attend a dedicated day-long seminar focused on research methodology. Working with a faculty mentor, all residents complete a research project that culminates with a presentation at the Rothman Research Day. Participation is required by the end of the fourth year of residency, but all residents are invited to participate each year. The experience provides residents an understanding of how to evaluate good research in medical literature and utilize it in their subsequent careers.


Research Opportunities & Support

Washington University is recognized as a worldwide leader in research. The medical school conducts internationally renowned research in neuroscience, diabetes, diagnostic imaging, cardiovascular diseases, genetics, immunology, infectious disease and many other areas. The school’s rich tradition of interdisciplinary collaboration and its strong link between basic science and clinical medicine have yielded powerful new approaches to the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease.

As a leader in building new knowledge to advance health, we incorporate research training throughout the ob/gyn residency program. Resident research opportunities are abundant in both basic and clinical research. Our residents have been very successful in research, with many publishing two or more original manuscripts during their residency.

The Division of Clinical Research (DCR) employs over 50 staff members to assist with faculty, fellow, resident, and student research. The DCR team includes a statistician, a data management team, research nurses, coordinators, and assistants as well as a Regulatory and Data team to assist with all IRB and statistical needs.

The department’s research and grant funding has seen tremendous growth since 2006 (see graph below). This growth provides resources for residents to be involved in numerous projects, abstracts and publications.

Graph shows Washington University Department of Ob/Gyn research funding by source for every year between 2011 and 2021. Dark blue indicates proportion of government grants and contracts, medium blue indicates non-government grants and contracts, and light blue indicates gifts in support of sponsored research. Click image to enlarge.

Next: Learn more about Rothman Research Day »


Research Funding

The L.A.B Award – The goal of this program is to promote research and grantsmanship by providing pilot funding for residents, fellows and junior faculty in the Department who have no startup or extramural research funding. Learn more about the L.A.B Award.

David G. Mutch Residency Research Scholarship – This award was launched during the 2024 academic year, awarding up to four residents per year with funding to present original research projects at a local, regional or national conference.

Learn more about the Mutch Scholarship.


Application process

Medical school graduates can enter the Obstetrics and Gynecology residency program immediately after graduation, applying through ResidencyCAS.