PGY-2 Obstetrics & Gynecology – University of Saskatchewan
ResidentObstetrics and Gynecology University of Saskatchewan
May 2018
Printable versionAbout Me
I am Bobbi Batchelor, a PGY-2 in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Saskatchewan. I was born in Oliver, B.C., and completed my B.Sc. in Biology & Psychology, and my M.D., all at University of British Columbia.
Obstetrics & Gynecology is a super exciting area of medicine, and it had such a pull on me that I really didn’t think of anything else for my future. Bringing life in to the world is an amazing process to be a part of and being in Obstetrics offers me the chance to do this every day. Gynecology is also awesome to be a part of right now, as we have seen so many advances in minimally invasive surgery and what it can offer patients. These are just some of the highlights that drew me to OB/GYNE. My choice to leave B.C. and become a prairie girl was the opportunity to train in a center where there was a lot of hands-on training and a really strong emphasis on MIS.
I have an interest in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and have taken my Burwin Ultrasound training to be able to incorporate gynecological and obstetrical ultrasound into my practice.
Clinical Life
What does a typical day of clinical duties involve?
What kinds of rotations are required in your program?
The first and second year involves rotations that focus on core competencies in residency, as well as a focus on fundamentals of surgery to prepare you for your principles of surgery exam. As you transition to your senior years you get to do more rotations through subspecialty rotations, including MFM, gyne onc, urogyne, REI, MIS, and research.
Which of your personality characteristics are particularly helpful in your field?
I don’t think that I have a particular trait that helped me through residency thus far, but I do think developing resiliency is a very important skill to help everyone through this challenging time in our lives. I draw on things from my work and from my home life that motivate me to keep working hard, as well as trying to live in the moment.
What are the best aspects of your residency?
Obstetrics & Gynecology offers us an opportunity to see women throughout their entire lives. This continuity of care is a really wonderful part of the job. The day-to-day is also very diverse. One day you can be on labor and delivery, the next day operating on a large ovarian mass. This diversity also holds true when you are planning your future. We have many fellowship opportunities from MFM to gyne onc, to name a few.
What are the most challenging aspects of your current role?
O&G residency can be very fun, but also very busy. One of the biggest challenges I have is finding the motivation to do the theoretical learning on top of our practical experience. Breaking up the very onerous Royal College Objectives in to what I call “swift sessions” (20-minute study sessions each day), has helped make this task seem more achievable.
What is one question you’re often asked about your decision to pursue a non-clinical career?
Do you ever sleep? The answer is yes, when I’m not on call!
Can you describe the transition from clerkship to residency?
For me the transition has been a bit unique. I welcomed my own daughter in to the world at the end of my second year of residency and took a 5-month maternity leave, so I came back right as I was transitioning to third year. This year has been a very challenging, but rewarding experience. I have found that it takes a lot of organization and a strict schedule to keep on top of my home life and my responsibilities as a senior resident, but that it is manageable with a positive attitude and a good support system.
Will you be pursuing further training or looking for employment?
Right now, I feel that Community Obstetrics & Gynecology is my calling. I feel there is still a need for generalists in our field, and I think that my personality and skills are very well suited for the job.
Non-Clinical Life
What are your academic interests?
I have an interest in research and am currently working on a few research projects, with a focus on Indigenous Women’s Health. I am also very interested in undergraduate medical teaching and promoting resident wellness.
What is your work-life balance like, and how do you achieve this?
My daughter has not yet reached the “terrible twos”, so we are still enjoying spending all our free time with her! My advice would be to make small, achievable goals and to try not to look too far in the future. Reward yourself for the hard work that you do, and always find time for yourself.
