Obstetrics and Gynecology

Helain J. Landy, MD, Chair

Third-year medical students spend a six-week clerkship in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. The clerkship program uses MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Virginia Hospital Center, MedStar Washington Hospital Center and for a group of students doing a longitudinal integrated curriculum MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center in Baltimore. During the rotation, a series of problem based learning sessions are held at each of the four sites where students interactively discuss important concepts of obstetrics and gynecology. Students also attend conferences held at their individual hospitals and attend grand rounds virtually from their assigned site.

Students obtain ambulatory care experience at each of the four hospitals. This allows the students to develop the skills necessary to perform competent pelvic examinations, a primary goal of the clerkship. The primary care of women is a significant aspect of medicine today. Thus, the third-year clerkship also exposes the students to the problems and issues necessary to meet the health care needs of women in general, regardless of the specialty field chosen by students for a career. In addition, third-year medical students are exposed to the subspecialty areas of obstetrics and gynecology, including gynecologic oncology, maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology & infertility, and genetics.

In addition to the required clerkship program, an extensive elective program for fourth-year medical students also is available for those students who desire further training or wish to develop a research project. Fourth-year electives offered to medical students are: Obstetrics and Gynecology Acting Internship at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and Virginia Hospital Center, Women’s Primary Care, Obstetric Ultrasound, and Urogynecology. These advanced clerkships focus on intensive clinical experience approximating that of a first-year resident. The student is encouraged to assume as much responsibility as possible during these rotations.