Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology

OB-GYN Clerkship Objectives

The OB-GYN clerkship is an 8 week rotation that introduces the field of OB-GYN, including general OB-GYN practice and OB-GYN subspecialties including urogynecology and high risk obstetrics (perinatology). An optional 2-week experience in female reproductive cancers (gynecologic oncology) is available. Currently, students do not participate in reproductrive endocrinology & infertility (REI).

Students are expected to gain a solid knowledge base and set of clinical skills relating to women’s health care. The focus for learning is on those skills and knowledge required by many primary care doctors who practice in the field of women’s health.

Core Objectives of the Clerkship

Understand pathophysiology, presentation, and treatments of common primary care OB-GYN problems; including menstrual disorders, abnormal Pap smears, contraception, STD’s, normal prenatal and postpartum care.
Learn how to present a case orally and in written format.
Be able to perform a pelvic exam, a breast exam, deliver a baby, interpret a wet mount, and be able to suture.
Understand age-appropriate prevention screening and health maintenance for women.

Knowledge Areas

Gender and age specific OB & GYN history taking
Age specific preventive care and cancer screening
Contraceptive options and counseling
Abortion
STDs and pelvic inflammatory disease
Abnormal uterine bleeding
1st trimester complications of pregnancy including ectopic pregnancy
Menopause and hormone replacement therapy
Prenatal care
Breastfeeding
Complications of pregnancy
Infertility
Prolapse and incontinence
Gynecologic cancers

Skill Areas

Breast examination
Speculum examination
Pelvic examination
Rectal examination
Cervical cultures
Pap smear
Wet mount (perform and interpret)
Vaginal delivery
Suturing

Observation

Operative procedures: see procedure card

Core Objectives to be assessed in OSCE

Clinical skills
- History taking
- PE
- Lab ordering and interpretation
- SOAP notes, H&P's
- Pelvic & breast exam
- Delivering a baby
- Wet mount interpretation
Communication skills
- Deliver bad news
- Take a sexual history

The OSCE test questions reflect clinical problems that may present to a wide range of practitioners. Below is a list of clinical problems/situations that constitute the primary learning objectives for the rotation

Task oriented stations
- Knot tying
- Delivering a baby
- Fetal heart rate interpretation
Simulated Patient
- Vaginitis - STDs
- Pelvic exam
- Breast mass
- Contraception counseling
- Prenatal patient - routine exam
- Vaginal bleeding
- Diagnosis of missed abortion
- Abnormal Pap smear - counseling and F/U