[French medical demography in Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2003: the trainees].

INTRODUCTION

The increase in the number of trainees in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OBGYN) in France since 1999 seems to be a problem for the quality of training and availability of post-training positions. There are no data available on the number and geographical distribution of trainees in OBGYN in France despite the recent and ongoing increase in their number. We performed a survey on the demographical characteristics of trainees in OBGYN in France, their distribution, and the eventual problems related to this increase in 2003.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

We used available data from university, governmental institutions, and local trainee contacts. We compared these data to obtain a complete list of French trainees in OBGYN, with their demographical characteristics.

RESULTS

In 2003, there were 710 trainees participating in the 5-year OBGYN program in France, 59.5% were women. The proportion of female trainees was not homogeneous throughout France. The number of post-training positions was not proportional to the number of trainees for each region and these numbers will rapidly be insufficient.

DISCUSSION

Halfway through the increase in the number of trainees in OBGYN, training capacities of the French system will soon be saturated if not reorganised. There is going to be a major shortage in post-training positions for future newly trained specialists in OBGYN in France.