COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is an introductory experience in the provision of comprehensive medical care and counseling services to adult and adolescent female patients. The obstetrical conditions and gynecological problems commonly encountered by the physician provide the primary focus for this clerkship experience, but knowledge of serious or less common conditions is also required. Therefore, the basis for the clerkship is to introduce clinical information thought to be fundamental in the education of all physicians.

EXPECTATIONS
The expectation for the basic clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology is that you begin to build the foundation of knowledge and skills that you will need in the area of obstetrics and gynecology, regardless of the specialty you decide to enter. This minimal foundation is described in the seven goals. In addition to these statements, there are representative samples of specific behavior you are expected to demonstrate by the end of the clerkship. It is recognized that in a 6 week clerkship with all its activities, mastery of all the goals will be difficult. However, through efficient use of your time and sound planning, progress will be realized in attaining these seven goals.

GOAL I
Perform problem specific histories, and physical exams including a menstrual history, a pelvic exam, a breast exam, PAP smear and cervical cultures.

GOAL II
Diagnose and outline a management plan for gynecological problems and diseases that a physician in primary care would encounter.
Specific Behaviors:

1. Define important (because of impact or prevalence) gynecologic problems.
2. Explain the natural cause of important gynecological diseases and how each is managed.
3. Describe major types of family planning techniques including side effects.
4. Discuss the most common problems in gynecologic endocrinology including menopause.

GOAL III
Diagnose and manage common obstetrical conditions.
Specific Behaviors:

1. Diagnose pregnancy.
2. Explain the physiology of pregnancy as it affects the mother and the fetus.
3. Outline adequate prenatal and postnatal care including patient education.
4. Identify the effects of the most prevalent medical and surgical problems on pregnancy, and discuss their management.
5. Manage normal labor and delivery.
6. Recognizes types of abnormal labor and delivery and appropriate management procedures.
7. Describe principles of obstetric genetic counseling including obtaining a genetic history.

GOAL IV
Identify major psycho-social problems and resources available to women and families.
Specific Behaviors:

1. Appreciate psycho-social and sexual problems of female patients and families.
2. Identify social and health services available to females in your community.
3. Recognize possible need to provide restorative/supportive care to individual or families) who have experienced: 1) loss of loved ones; 2) loss of body function; 3) sexual assault.

GOAL V
Utilize consultation appropriately with an obstetrician-gynecologist.
Specific Behaviors:

1. Appreciate the ingredients which characterize medically consultations.
2. Identify the specific format of consultation.

GOAL VI
Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills.
Specific Behaviors:

1. Establish rapport with patients.
2. Work cooperatively with other individuals in health care.
3. Establish sufficient visibility and rapport with preceptors, other faculty and residents to be fairly evaluated.

GOAL VII
Demonstrate appropriate professional characteristics.
Specific Behaviors:

1. Demonstrate responsible and dependable involvement in patient care.
2. Participate actively in learning opportunities and work assignments.
3. Recognize your own limitations.
4. Conduct patient care and reading assignments incorporating critical appraisal skills.
5. Students participating in patient care activities are expected to present a professional image in both conduct and attire.
6. Develop habits fostering self-directed learning.
7. Perform computer - assisted literature searches to form management.

UMC is a tertiary facility utilized by all types of physicians (HMO, PRIVATE, RESIDENTS). During your clerkship, you may interact with any of the providers, but your primary responsibility and learning will come from the University Physicians Incorporated (UPI) patients.

Clerkship Overview