A survey of Japanese interns to prepare for mandatory clinical training in obstetrics and gynecology

Aim: Obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) training became compulsory for Japanese physician interns from April 2020 to improve medical competence in treating women's diseases. This study aims to understand the Ob/Gyn training needs of postgraduate year 1–2 physicians (interns) and thereby improve training efficiency. Methods: This study was administered to interns at Ob/Gyn training facilities from December 2019 to February 2020. An original questionnaire was used to evaluate their assessment of training needs. In analyses, interns were categorized according to whether they were willing to major in Ob/Gyn. Results: Of the 1154 participants, 163 (14.1%) would major in Ob/Gyn (Ob/Gyn applicants) and 967 (83.8%) would not (non-Ob/Gyn applicants). At the time of the survey, 634 (54.9%) had rotated in Ob/Gyn, 253 (21.9%) planned to rotate, and 267 (23.1%) chose not to rotate. The two most favorable training experiences were “experience in surgical procedures” (81/141, 57.4%) and “wide treatment areas covered by Ob/Gyn” (78/141, 55.3%) among the Ob/Gyn applicants, and “specificity of women's treatment” (308/488, 63.1%) among the non-Ob/Gyn applicants. Conclusions: Ob/Gyn applicants and non-Ob/Gyn applicants differed in their assessment of Ob/Gyn rotations. It is crucial to provide medical training based on interns' needs to improve their skills for treating female patients.