Note: K, S, and A, with corresponding numbers in parentheses (e.g., K1, S2, A4), refer to Weill Cornell Medical College’s Educational Objectives of the program leading to the MD degree found at http://weill.cornell.edu/education/curriculum/edu_obj.html.

By the end of the course, the student should be able to:

Knowledge:


1. K1, K7 Explain the physiologic adaptations to pregnancy.


2. K5, K6, K7 Describe how certain medical conditions affect pregnancy and how pregnancy affects certain medical conditions.


3. K1, K8 Describe the process of normal labor and delivery.


4. K1, K3 List the normal physiologic and anatomic changes of the breast during pregnancy and the postpartum periods and reasons why breast feeding should be encouraged.


5. K5, K6, K7 Identify medical and surgical conditions in pregnancy (e.g., anemia, diabetes mellitus, urinary tract disorders, infectious diseases, cardiac disease, asthma).


6. K6, K7, K8 Differentiate the signs and symptoms of third-trimester bleeding; describe the initial management plan for shock secondary to acute blood loss; and list the indications and potential complications of blood products.


7. K3, K8, K11 Discuss the medical and personal issues involved in decisions regarding contraceptive methods.


8. K5, K6, K7, K8 Explain the basic epidemiology, diagnosis, and management of sexually transmitted infections and urinary tract infections.


9. K3, K4, K5, K11, K12 Discuss women’s health and well-being, including social and health policy, ethical issues, sterilization, contraception, abortion, domestic violence, adolescent pregnancy, and access to health care.


10. K1, K2, K7, K10 Describe the normal sequence of puberty and recognize deviation from the norm.


11. K1, K2, K5 Identify the physical and emotional changes caused by estrogen depletion.


12. K1, K2, K5, K8 Define infertility; describe its causes (including endometriosis), evaluation, and management; and list psychosocial issues associated with it.


13. K5, K6, K7, K8 Describe the common etiologies of vulvar and vaginal disease, as well as appropriate diagnostic and management options.


Skills:


14. S1, S8, S12 Recognize and treat postpartum abnormalities of the breast and counsel the lactating patient about commonly asked questions (e.g., frequency, duration, inadequate production of milk).


15. S1, S8, S12 Provide antepartum care (e.g., diagnose pregnancy; distinguish an at-risk pregnancy; answer common questions concerning pregnancy, labor, and delivery; counsel a woman with an unintended pregnancy).


16. S4, S5, S6 Obtain a complete history and physical examination on female patients, including a basic sexual history (including sexual function and sexual orientation), pelvic examination, Pap smear, and screening for genital tract infections.


17. S1, S8 Differentially diagnose the “acute abdomen,” including ectopic pregnancy.


18. S1, S8 Diagnose abnormal uterine bleeding and dysmenorrhea.


19. S1, S8, S12 Diagnose preeclampsia-eclampsia syndrome and manage and counsel a patient with this syndrome.


20. S12, A2, A3 Demonstrate interpersonal and communication skills that build trust by addressing contextual factors (e.g., culture, ethnicity, language/literary, socioeconomic class, spirituality/religion, age, sexual orientation, disability).


21. S11, S12, A4, A5 Establish rapport and work cooperatively with patients, their social supports, and other members of the health-care team.


22. S11 Communicate the relevant results of the ob-gyn and general medical interview and examination through well-organized written and oral reports.


23. K3, S12 Counsel patients regarding benefits of good health prior to conception, including history of genetic abnormalities, advanced maternal age, substance abuse, nutrition and exercise, medications and environmental hazards, and immunization.


24. S12 Counsel women at risk for ovarian cancer.


Attitudes:


25. A4, A5, A6 Display respect for and collaboration with members of the obstetrics-gynecologic team.


26. A1, A2, A3, A4 Demonstrate sensitivity to patients’ and families’ medical and psychosocial needs, including ethical patient care and confidentiality.


27. A4 Demonstrate honesty and integrity in all interactions and activities with patients, families, medical colleagues, and others.


28. A6 Display a professional demeanor, including maintaining an attitude that values timely attendance, punctuality, reliability, and accountability in the performance of one’s duties.

* For the complete list of learning objectives, see the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics Medical Students Educatonal Objectives here.

How Learning Objectives are Assessed
Methods for assessing student achievement of course learning objectives include the following: 1) patient write-ups; 2) an oral examination; 3) a written examination; and 4) direct clinical observations and evaluations. Please refer to the course syllabus for more specific details on grading.