In the third year of the curriculum, which is the clinical clerkship, the students are assigned to the department for a period of six weeks. This time is divided as equally as possible between obstetrics, oncology, and gynecology. The students may select from the following locations for the entire six weeks.
During the time devoted to obstetrics, the students receive instruction in birth process and attend both the antepartum and postpartum clinics. They are assigned prenatal patients, perform the obstetric and physical examination and laboratory tests and, in many cases, are able to follow the same patients in labor and may conduct delivery under the supervision of the instructor. The didactic lecture program, which is required, is supplemented by smaller group sessions where critical thinking and applied specialty-oriented problem solving is practiced in a preceptor fashion with practitioners in obstetrics and gynecology. Teaching rounds are held daily and interdisciplinary conferences are held particularly with pediatrics, pathology, endocrinology, radiotherapy, and anesthesia.
The time devoted to gynecology encompasses both inpatient and clinical experience. Emphasis is placed on the care and management of gynecologic patient, fertility, pelvic infections, and endocrinology. Students have an opportunity to examine and diagnose gynecologic disorders under the supervision of a faculty member and assist in operative procedures. Student will have the opportunity to learn pelvic and breast examination skills from trained Teaching Associates. Each student will practice their exam skills and feedback is provided during this required session.
Fundamentals of cancer detection and therapy are stressed while on the oncology service. Also stressed is the day to day caring of critically ill cancer patients both in the hospital and in the outpatient clinic setting. Each week students are required to attend the Tumor Board, an interdisciplinary conference where treatment planning is discussed.
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