Effect of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Applicants ID 2683390

INTRODUCTION: Abortion restrictions affect not only provision of abortion care but also experience for trainees. Data from the 2023 match showed a decrease in obstetrics and gynecology residency applications in restrictive states. Our national survey of medical students applying to obstetrics and gynecology residency sought to assess the effects of the Dobbs decision on their application process. METHODS: Medical students who applied to obstetrics and gynecology residency for the 2023 match were surveyed via an electronic questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used. Institutional review board waiver was granted. RESULTS: One hundred seventy-eight students, from 39 different states, completed the survey. The average age was 27.8 years, and the majority identified as women (89%) and White (80.9%). The majority (72.7%) of respondents reported that the Dobbs decision influenced which residency programs they applied to, and of those, 96.9% report that they applied to programs in states with fewer abortion restrictions. Similarly, 66.5% reported that the decision influenced their rank list, and of those, 98.3% report they ranked programs in states that are less restrictive on abortion services higher. CONCLUSION: Access to abortion training was identified as important to a majority of survey respondents. Students reported applying to states with less abortion restrictions and that access to abortion training influenced their rank list. Prior studies have surveyed third- and fourth-year students about predicted effects of the Dobbs decision on residency applications. This is the first to assess perspectives among students who completed the residency application process.