Medical Student Clerkship

The faculty of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine has identified Obstetrics and Gynecology as a core clerkship rotation. It is not the intent of this clerkship to teach students to be obstetrician/ gynecologists. It is hoped, however, that this rotation will help develop skills, knowledge, and attitudes that will make each student into a competent, wise and compassionate physician.

At the completion of this clerkship each student will be able to:

  • Identify:
    • Parameters for preventive health care for adult women, including cancer prevention and screening protocols.
    • Common gynecological problems.
    • When to refer a patient to an obstetrician-gynecologist.
  • Develop:
    • Clinical problem-solving skills.
    • Attitudes and professional behaviors appropriate to providing healthcare to women, such as:
      • Confidentiality
      • Commitment to patient care
    • Compassion.
    • Communication skills to facilitate clinical interaction with patients.
    • An awareness and sensitivity to the different problems women confront during the various stages of their lives.
  • Gain:
    • An understanding of fetal care as it relates to maternal care and a healthy newborn.
    • Insights into the nature and implications of benign and malignant pelvic disorders and such interventions as:
      • Pelvic surgery
      • Irradiation
      • Systemic chemotherapy
      • Infertility and reproductive disorders
      • Pre- and post-therapy care
    • An introductory knowledge of ambulatory care by active participation under faculty supervision in Gynecology, Infertility, Oncology and normal OB clinics, and by observation of care being given in High-Risk OB clinics.
    • The knowledge necessary for the diagnosis and initial management of common, acute and chronic illnesses.
    • Basic knowledge of pregnancy and delivery and the functional interaction of the reproductive system with hormones.
    • An understanding of the physiology of normal pregnancy and the interrelationships between pregnancy and common medical conditions.
    • The ability to recognize common complications of pregnancy.
  • Take Action:
    • Expand hands-on experience by participating actively in a caregiving obstetrical team in helping pregnant women to reach term and give birth healthfully.
    • Counsel women about contraception, abortion and sterilization options.
    • Treat common gynecological problems.
    • Manage a normal labor and delivery of a full-term infant.
    • Perform a complete, gentle and accurate pelvic examination.
    • Demonstrate insight into the unique psychological issues associated with female physiological and pathological processes.
    • Work effectively in health care teams in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

This clerkship has been structured to accomplish these goals. The curriculum for the clerkship is reflected in the student log forms provided with the orientation packet and in the booklet, “Medical Student Educational Objectives,” (available in the student library).


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