UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION
Program Objectives
The objectives in Obstetrics and Gynecology incorporate both the general objectives of the MD Program and Unit 5. These should be reviewed prior to each rotation. The obstetrical and gynecological evaluation is an integral part of the general medical history and physical examination. The sensitive and highly personal nature of this evaluation requires honing of communication skills, as well as acquisition of new physical examination skills. An awareness of one’s attitude towards women, their unique health problems and issues will assist in patient’s care.
Organization of the Rotation
This dynamic rotation consists of time spent in labour and delivery, emergency and operating room. Students will participate in a four-week community placement with an obstetrician/gynecologist. Community placements occur in Hamilton and surrounding areas, such as Brantford and Burlington. Placements are available through the Rural Ontario Medical Program (ROMP) in Orangeville and Barrie, with MAC-Care in Newmarket, St. Catharines, Niagara Falls, Welland, Kitchener-Waterloo, Guelph, Cambridge and Simcoe.
Essential Learning Objectives in Women’s Health:
- History
- Physical exam
- Diagnosis and management plan
- Pharmacology
- Environmental exposures
- Immunizations
- Contraception, sterilization and abortion
- Papanicolaou smear and culture
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Sexuality
- Domestic violence and sexual assault
- Menstrual cycle and its abnormalities
- Premenstrual syndrome
- Menopause
- Adolescence
- Urinary incontinence
- Vulvar and vaginal diseases
- Pelvic pain
- Gynecologic malignancies
- Spontaneous abortion and ectopic pregnancy
- Maternal-fetal physiology
- Postpartum care
Skills
Opportunities for developing skills in assessing women’s health care, including history and physical examination in the pregnant and non-pregnant patients, will be available. There are scheduled sessions to learn pelvic examinations. All clerks will have a community-based preceptor. Exposure to typical problems encountered in general obstetric and gynecologic practice will enhance history taking and physical examination skills. The opportunity to experience more complicated medical and surgical problems encountered in specialized tertiary care clinics are also available.
Evaluations
Evaluation is consistent with the general policies of the MD Program. A formal evaluation by your clinical supervisor and attending resident should be completed. Encounter cards will also be used for assessment of participation and competence in patient care on labour and delivery, clinics and gynecological surgery and resource sessions. These evaluations are forwarded to preceptors who will collate this data into the rotation evaluation. A formal web-based examination in the last week of the rotation is carried out.
Additional Resources:
- A Guide to Effective Care in Pregnancy and Childbirth (3edn)
- Contemporary OB/GYN
- McMaster Undergraduate Medical Education Program
- Medmark.org
- Obstetric Ultrasound History
- The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
- The North American Menopause Society
- The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) Website