PGY 1
The call schedule is based around a night float system that allows residents to spend less overall time in the hospital and greater scheduling flexibility. During the first year, interns work two night float rotations, each consisting of four weeks. At the beginning of the year, interns take night call every fifth night for the first three blocks. After the third block, the two interns on the night float rotation work all weekday nights, Monday through Friday. Hours for night float coverage are 6 pm – 7am. While on night float, interns have no daytime responsibilities other than one half day of clinic. Interns not on night float work an average of two weekend days a month, usually one Saturday and one Sunday. Weekend coverage is 7am – 7am.

Our experience using the night float system has been very positive. Interns report much less fatigue, which allows for more learning to take place while on rotations. You will actually have enthusiasm to learn, instead of simply enduring until you can find time to sleep. While not on night float, you will have every weekday evening off; and you will not be as tired when you come home. This system also makes arranging for vacations or time off much easier, since you do not need to arrange for weekday call coverage.

While on night float, you have greater access to learning opportunities, since there are fewer doctors in the hospital. Night is the perfect time to get experience in the ER doing procedures or on the labor floor delivering babies. You will also have the opportunity to run codes and evaluate seriously ill patients on the floor. The night float blocks will really push you to learn all you can.

Senior residents provide in-house backup for the first two blocks and backup from home for the remaining blocks.  

When residents are off call, they are responsible only for calls from their private OB patients, which are generally infrequent.

PGY 2
Second year residents complete a total of six weeks of night float, in two week increments, using the same hourly schedule described above. During the remaining rotations, residents average two home backup calls and one weekend in-house call per month. During home backup, residents are required to come in for all ICU admits, laboring patients (until interns obtain their OB certification), and if the intern requests (either too busy or unsure about a patient). 

PGY 3
Third year residents average one home backup call per month. This light call schedule allows for greater independence in pursuing additional training and/or moonlighting.