Holy Name Medical Center is expanding its physician training opportunities with a new OB-GYN residency program.
The independent Catholic health system will welcome its first class of residents in the summer of 2026. The four-year residency program will give new doctors a chance to learn alongside experienced physicians, conduct research, and expand health care access in the community.
“Our mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment where residents can develop the full spectrum of skills required to excel as obstetricians and gynecologists,” said Dr. Sharyn N. Lewin, director of the OB-GYN residency program at Holy Name, in a statement.
“By integrating community-based training with academic rigor, we are preparing physicians to not only deliver excellent clinical care but also lead with empathy and integrity,” Lewin said.
The new program will also prepare graduates to become certified by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology or the American Osteopathic Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Becoming board certified is considered a measure of quality in the industry.
According to Holy Name, its OB-GYN residency program is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education, an independent, not-for-profit organization that sets and monitors voluntary professional educational standards.
“Residents in our program will benefit from diverse clinical experiences, supportive mentorship, and a collaborative learning culture,” said Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi, chief medical officer and designated institutional officer, in the statement. “This program represents Holy Name’s dedication to advancing women’s health and medical education in our community.”
The announcement comes at a time when the country could use more doctors, especially those interested in reproductive health. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2037, the country will only meet 82% of the anticipated demand for OB-GYNs.
Several factors may be contributing to the shortage, with workplace stress being a significant issue. A 2025 survey conducted by Medscape, an online medical resource, found that 40% of OB-GYNs feel their work-life balance has worsened compared to three years prior.
The Dobbs decision may have also hurt the profession. A 2023 survey found 55% of OB-GYNs believe the landmark ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade has worsened their ability to attract new doctors to the field, according to KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family Foundation, an independent nonprofit focused on health policy.
Unlike other states that have passed restrictions on abortion post-Dobbs, New Jersey has increased access. In 2022, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill into law that preserves the legal right for women and girls to obtain an abortion in the state.
Despite this, Holy Name will not offer abortion training for its students. Abortion isn’t permitted at Catholic health care institutions, according to the latest edition of the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, issued by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Although the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has long called for the inclusion of abortion education in all medical school curricula, it’s not required for medical school accreditation, according to the professional association’s website.
A spokesperson for Holy Name did not immediately respond Tuesday when asked if the institution will help trainees who want clinical experience in abortion get training elsewhere.
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