Table 1
Individualized Development Trajectory Topics. National Curriculum for Obstetrics and Gynecology (NCOG)*.
| Topic 1 | Being Engaged, Staying Engaged Maintaining balance and motivation Self-directed learning Dealing with setbacks |
| Topic 2 | Network Medicine for Specific Target Groups Women’s Health Care for patients in vulnerable situations |
| Topic 3 | Organization-based Care Quality, management, safety and sustainability Efficiency and value-driven care Clinical leadership |
| Topic 3 | Knowledge and Innovation Contributing to and managing change Innovative techniques Education and training Science |
[i] *These topics were selected by the National Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the curriculum developers, based on their relevance to the Dutch context and the current and future practice of obstetrics and gynecology.
Table 2
Practical recommendations to inform program design and workplace practices.
| PRACTICE POINT | RECOMMENDATION |
|---|---|
| EPAs are essential, but not the full story | Combine clearly defined EPAs with space for broader, personalized learning. This allows residents to engage with the wider scope of the specialty. |
| Allow time for exposure and growth | Ensure early training focuses on clinical expertise, with time to encounter diverse situations that later prompt deeper, personal engagement with individualized development trajectories. |
| Avoid over-structuring with assessments | Create learning spaces without checklists or summative assessment. Residents described these as enabling autonomy, reflection, and even transformation. Such open spaces enable transformative learning by prompting reflection that reshapes perspectives. |
| Open-ended goals can work alongside EPAs | In a dual approach program, open-ended goals can be effective. Provide examples and role models to guide residents in navigating these more abstract domains. |
| Coaching is not one-size-fits-all | Support program directors in tailoring their coaching. Residents valued when program directors offered personalized guidance/coaching and legitimized individualized development trajectories. |