College of Medicine

Obstetrics & Gynecology

Clerkship Contacts:

Clerkship Director

View M.D. Program Objectives…

Clerkship Goals and Objectives 

By the end of the clerkship, the student will be able to:

1. Perform and document a thorough obstetric and gynecologic diagnostic evaluation, including a complete patient history (including menstrual, obstetric, gynecologic, contraceptive and sexual history) and an appropriate physical examination (including components of the breast and pelvic examinations as indicated).
2. Collect cervical cytology and interpret results according to current established guidelines.
3. Discuss the physiology and anatomic changes associated with pregnancy and the physiologic functions of the fetus and placenta.
4. Understand how to diagnose pregnancy, determine gestational age and identify women at risk for pregnancy complications.
5. Develop a differential diagnosis for bleeding and pain in the first trimester, identify risk factors for and the initial evaluation of suspected ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy and spontaneous abortion.
6. List the signs, symptoms and stages of labor, demonstrate the steps of a normal vaginal delivery and identify common intrapartum and postpartum complications.
7. Identify common medical and surgical complications occurring during pregnancy.
8. List common causes of bleeding in the third trimester.
9. Identify symptoms and summarize physical findings associated with gestational hypertension, preeclampsia and eclampsia.
10. Discuss the endocrinology and physiology of the normal menstrual cycle, including menarche and menopause.
11. Identify the common causes, evaluation method and treatment options for an adolescent, reproductive-aged woman or postmenopausal woman presenting with abnormal uterine bleeding.
12. Counsel a patient regarding contraceptive choice, focusing on the effectiveness, reversibility, benefits, risks and financial considerations of various contraceptive methods.
13. Differentiate the symptoms, physical findings, evaluation, management and public health concerns associated with common vaginal and vulvar disorders, including sexually transmitted infections.
14. Summarize the risk factors, signs and symptoms, physical exam findings and initial management plans for patients presenting with cervical, uterine and ovarian malignancies.
15. Assess women with signs and symptoms of menopause and describe evidence-based management of symptoms.
16. Outline the diagnostic approach to evaluating common benign and malignant breast disorders in both pregnant and non-pregnant women.
17. Discuss social and health policy aspects of women’s health, including ethical issues, abortion, sterilization, intimate partner violence, adolescent pregnancy and access to health care.
18. Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that result in the effective exchange of information and collaboration with patients, their families and other health care professionals.
19. Address sensitive issues with compassion and respect, regardless of a patient’s gender, race/ethnicity, cultural or socioeconomic background.
20. Use information technology to access medical information, critically assess current literature and provide literacy-appropriate educational information to patients and families.

Patient Passport:

The purpose of the Patient Passport is to ensure that each student is exposed to the depth and breadth of Obstetrics and Gynecology. After week 3 of the rotation, please check your passport and ask your attendings/residents to assist you in meeting your requirements. The passport will be reviewed at the mid‐clerkship feedback session. We do not expect it to be completed at that point, but rather, we will use it as a gauge of how the rotation is progressing for you.

Each student should log at least one patient within each of the following categories (note that an individual patient may fall into more than one category).

 Gynecology: Patient Types/Clinical Conditions:

• Breast disease/breast health/abnormal mammography
• Pelvic pain
• Amenorrhea
• Menstrual disorders (AUB/PMS)
• Contraception
• Perimenopause/Menopause
• Infertility
• Pelvic Mass
• Prolapse/Incontinence
• Abnormal cervical cytology
• STD (screening or treatment)
• Vaginitis/vaginal discharge
• Post‐operative visit
• Well woman history/exam

 Obstetrics:  Patient Types/Clinical Conditions:

• First trimester bleeding
• Third trimester bleeding
• Abdominal pain in pregnancy
• Antepartum visit
• Diabetes in pregnancy
• Gestational HTN/preeclampsia
• Post‐term pregnancy
• PROM/PTL
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Term labor
• Peripartum infection
• Multiple gestation
• Breastfeeding patient

Each student should log at least one patient whose procedures the student has either performed or observed:

Clinical Skills: Physical Exam Skills

• Breast Examination
• Speculum examination
• Bimanual exam
• Estimation of gestational age (fudnal height measurement) and fetal heart tone exam technique.

 Clinical Skills: Testing and Procedural Skills

• Pap testing technique
• Wet mount preparation and exam
• Cervicovaginal testing for STIs
• Evaluation of ROM
• Interpretation of pelvic ultrasound findings
• Demonstration of basic steps in vaginal delivery
• Cesarean section
• Tubal ligation (PPTL or interval procedure)
• Abdominal hysterectomy
• Vaginal hysterectomy
• Other hysterectomy (robotic, LAVH or vaginal hysterectomy)
• Colposcopy
• Dilation and curettage
• Hysteroscopy
• Laparoscopy

Clerkship Resources:

Clerkship Handbook

Commendation Form

Early Warning Form

OB_Gyn Student Performance Evaluation