Undergraduate obstetrics and gynaecology in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, 1989

Abstract

Summary. Undergraduate obstetrics and gynaecology has given rise to concern at a time when the community has become increasingly sensitive about genital structure and function and human reproduction. A survey of clinical schools in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland shows that an average of 11 weeks is available for undergraduate learning in the discipline. Nearly all schools provide written aims and objectives for clinical students. Pelvic examination is taught in what is concluded to be a sensible and responsible manner; students are expected to conduct an average minimum of eight deliveries. Family planning instruction is seen as generally inadequate. Comparison of clinical courses with those in Australia and New Zealand shows striking similarities. Undergraduate courses need to be under constant review and revision so that the best students are encouraged to see obstetrics and gynaecology as a desirable career path.

Postgraduate obstetrics and gynaecology experience: The role for early exposure

“…For promoting O & G training, the literature thus far has focused on changes to undergraduate medical education. [5][6][7][8][9] Strategies include improving the quality of undergraduate teaching, addressing the perceived negative gender and lifestyle issues that dissuade students from choosing O & G training, and employing programs to engage students early in their medical school careers. These techniques fail to address postgraduate issues.…”

“…Obstetrics and gynaecology, as a rotation, offers a unique complement of medicine, surgery and the emergency department within one discipline, and would seem a favourable rotation for early experience. 4,5 Prospective O & G trainees are frequently in their second, third or fourth postgraduate year prior to application for the training program, and without early exposure, are less equipped to make such career decisions. Residents in their later years completing rotations in O & G largely promote the experience gained during such terms.…”

Can gynaecology teaching associates provide high quality effective training for medical students in the United Kingdom? Comparative study

“…Gynaecology teaching associates are used in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Scandinavia 1 – 3. They are not used in the United Kingdom, for reasons that remain unclear 4. This teaching method is highly effective 5 – 15.…”

“…It is also an efficient use of resources and acceptable to medical students as well as to heads of department 16 – 19. In 1989 two medical schools in the United Kingdom were considering the use of gynaecology teaching associates, but little enthusiasm and some aversion to this approach was reported 4. Current teaching of intimate examinations in medical schools in the United Kingdom relies on students practising on anaesthetised patients or patients in clinics and on plastic models 4 19 20.…”

“…In 1989 two medical schools in the United Kingdom were considering the use of gynaecology teaching associates, but little enthusiasm and some aversion to this approach was reported 4. Current teaching of intimate examinations in medical schools in the United Kingdom relies on students practising on anaesthetised patients or patients in clinics and on plastic models 4 19 20. Problems inherent in these traditional methods include a lack of time in out-patient clinics, where the environment is often not conducive to learning, lack of opportunity to practise communication skills, and lack of feedback from patients.…”