About the Clerkship: Syllabus

Objectives

The Association of Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) has listed the following items as "Essential Elements" for undergraduate medical education:

1. Develop clinical skills in the medical interview and physical examination in both obstetrical and gynecological patients

2. Become familiar with cervical cytology; be able to discuss the first line disposition and limitations of cervical cytology

3. Discuss modern contraceptive technology and be able to discuss options with patients

4. Be able to develop a broad differential diagnosis for a patient with an "acute abdomen" including conditions such as pelvic infection, ectopic pregnancy, adnexal torsion, appendicitis, diverticulitis, renal calculi

5. Discuss the physiologic adjustments that accompany normal gestation, especially lab test results

6. Discuss the embryonic and fetal development; be able to discuss teratogenesis

7. Become aware of health and sell-being of populations; recognize social and health policy aspects of women's health, ethical issues, sterilization, abortion, domestic violence, adolescent pregnancy, and access to health care

8. Discuss the menstrual cycle from menarche to menopause

9. Discuss the basic foundations of infertility

10. Become familiar with intrapartum care

11. Become familiar with breast health including breastfeeding; be able to discuss benefits of breastfeeding with gravid patients

12. Become familiar with vaginal and vulvar disorders

13. Become familiar with human sexuality from menarche through geriatric aged patients; become familiar with taking a sexual history from a patient

14. Be able to discuss common problems in obstetrics

15. Be able to discuss screening procedures for reproductive cancers

Assessment

Written Examination:
On the last Friday of the rotation, a written examination on obstetrics and gynecology will be given by the National Board Subject Exam. The examination will be held in Classroom A from 8am to 10am. This examination is given to assess the depth of knowledge gained during the clerkship. If you score <65 on the shelf exam, you cannot receive HONORS or HIGH PASS for the course.

Any student scoring less than 60 MUST retake the exam. In this instance, your overall grade will be recorded and submitted as a "Fail" (NOT an "Incomplete") but will be expunged from your record once you have retaken the exam and achieved a score of 60 or greater. At that time, another letter grade will be assigned based on the overall calculation. In the event that you are experiencing any problem that you believe would adversely effect your score (e.g. illness, family crisis) you may opt to postpone the shelf exam. If so, you must email both Dr. Tsai and Dr. Lynn Buckvar-Keltz PRIOR to the shelf exam indicating your request and reason for postponement.

Oral Examination:
During the last week of the rotation, students are expected to participate in a 30 minute oral exam given by one of the faculty members. Each student is assigned one OB and one GYN patient care scenario. The oral exam will assess the student’s knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology as well as apply this knowledge in patient care.

Mid-Clerkship Evaluation:
Students are required to have the mid-clerkship feedback form completed by a resident/ attending who has had adequate contact with the student during at the end of the third week of the rotation. This mid-clerkship feedback provides the student with an opportunity to review his or her performance thus far. The evaluation will not be a part of the final grade.

Professional Portfolio:
The required assignment for your Professional Portfolio for the Ob-Gyn rotation must be completed at the end of the clerkship. Grades will not be released until this assignment has been completed.

Grading System:

Requirements

1. Attend all designated lectures, conferences and grand round unless otherwise directed.

2. Attend all weekly Tutor meetings as arranged. It is imperative to contact your tutor on the 1st or 2nd day of your clerkship.

3. Attend all service rotations as scheduled.

4. Keep log of clinical case experiences:

   • Minimum of 80% of skills to be performed
   • Minimum of 80% of operative procedures to observe
   • Minimum of 80% of the topics provided