Medical Student Education

At Duke, all medical students complete a four-week clerkship in Obstetrics and Gynecology during the second year and have the opportunity to take 2-week electives as well. The purpose of this course is to serve as an introduction to the delivery of comprehensive medical care and counseling services to patients from menarche to menopause and beyond. The clerkship provides students with the basic knowledge of obstetrical and gynecological conditions that is necessary for good practice in any medical field. The course consists of formal teaching sessions, case-based clinical reasoning classes (CBL), and clinical experiences. The general clerkship goals are listed below:

1. To provide an introduction to the core material in obstetrics and gynecology.
2. To prepare students for successful completion of the relevant portions of medical licensing exams.
3. To provide a clinical experience that will build both medical and surgical clinical skills.
4. To provide a clinical experience on which to make career decisions.
5. To identify the challenges (research opportunities) in the discipline of obstetrics and gynecology for the student.

In order to effectively meet these goals, the clerkship is divided into 2 sub-rotations, each of which is approximately 14 days in duration.  These rotations include  Obstetrics, and Gynecology Care.  Emphasis is placed upon meaningful clinical experiences and inter-professional collaboration.  The student is actively engaged as a member of the health care team and encouraged to be intimately involved in the diagnosis, management and care of the patient.

If you have any questions about the required Obstetrics and Gynecology clerkship, please contact the Director of the Clerkship, Dr. Sarah Dotters-Katz (sarah.dotters-katz@duke.edu) or Undergraduate Medical Education. This course is not available to students from outside institutions.

Clerkships

Obstetrics and Gynecology - OBGYN-205C. This course is required for second-year medical students in the traditional track. It consists of four weeks in general obstetrics and gynecology. Students attend lectures, work daily in the general and special outpatient clinics, and are assigned patients on the obstetric and gynecologic wards. Students share in patient care, teaching exercises, and in daily tutorial sessions with the faculty. Clinical conferences, a gynecologic-pathology conference, endocrine conferences, and correlative seminars and lectures are included. Credit: 6. Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD

Primary Care Leadership Track (PCLT) - Obstetrics and Gynecology - OBGYN-206C. This course is required of all second-year students in the Primary Care Leadership Track (PCLT). In this track, students are matched for nine weeks with longitudinal preceptors in out-patient gynecology. Students in the PCLT track are also trained in group facilitation and matched with a Centering Pregnancy group, which they help lead. The delivery timing for this group corresponds with the 2 weeks of inpatient obstetric time. Students share in patient care, teaching exercises, and in daily tutorial sessions with the faculty. Clinical conferences, a gynecologic-pathology conference, endocrine conferences, and correlative seminars and lectures are offered. Credit: 6. Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD

PIONEER is a 16-week course in which students attend a longitudinal clinic in each of the following specialties once a week:

• Internal Medicine
• Neurology
• Obstetrics and Gynecology
• Pediatrics

Students will also participate in the following:

• Emergency Medicine shifts
• Discovery – one half-day a week for individualized education
• Trailblazing – one half-day a week for interactive workshops to train students to be leaders and innovators in humanistic care

Students will also concurrently complete a 16-week longitudinal Family Medicine clerkship with weekly family medicine clinics. 

Two-Week Clinical Selectives

Prenatal Diagnosis - OBGYN-220C. Students will spend 2 weeks in one of the prenatal diagnostic units within Duke. They will divide their time between diagnostic ultrasound and genetic counseling. Time will also be allotted for the student to experience the cytogenetics lab. The student will be expected to learn common fetal malformations, genetic disorders and syndromes and be able to discuss their etiologies and evaluation. The student will be expected to understand common screening techniques in the prenatal period including pedigree analysis and risk assessment. Enrollment Max. 1. Location: Fetal Diagnostic Center is located at Lofts at Lakeview, 2608 Erwin Road, Suite 200 (above Chipotle Grill). For more information, please contact Dr. Brita Boyd via email at brita.boyd@duke.edu and/or Regan Matthews at chall002@mc.duke.edu regarding start time . Dr. Boyd can be reached by phone at 919-684-2595. Students should meet at 8:30 am in the Fetal Diagnostic Center reading room the first Monday of the rotation. Brita Boyd, MD

Introduction to Reproductive Endocrinology - OBGYN-221C. This course is a short introduction to reproductive endocrinology for students interested in a career in reproductive medicine. Because of the short duration of the course, each student is encouraged to focus either on the clinical or laboratory aspects of the service. During the course, each student will research a focused question in reproductive endocrinology and present his/her findings at a division meeting. Students must contact the instructor prior to registration. Credit: 2. Enrollment Max. 1. 

There are many research opportunities within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Research opportunities range from benchtop to translational to clinical research projects. The faculty members who have already been approved as mentors by the Third Year Committee are listed below. Other mentors can be found within the department, and we are happy to facilitate the process of getting them approved as mentors. For questions, contact Dr. Sarah Dotters-Katz (sd132@duke.edu).

Approved Third-Year Mentors

Andrew Berchuck, MD – Gynecologic Oncology

Brittany Davidson, MD - Gynecologic Oncology

Laura Havrilesky, MD, MHSc  - Gynecologic Oncology

Haley Moss, MD, MBA  - Gynecologic Oncology

Sarahn Wheeler, MD – Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD, MMHPE – Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Elizabeth Livingston, MD – Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Brenna Hughes, MD, MSc  – Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Jeff Federspiel, MD, PhD - Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Elizabeth Deans, MD, MPH - Women's Community and Population Health

Nazema Siddiqui, MD - Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Alison Weidner - Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

During the Fourth Year, students have opportunities for additional exposure to Obstetrics and Gynecology through several sub-internships and electives. These courses are designed for a more in-depth exposure to OB/GYN subspecialties and offer students a chance to further explore both inpatient and outpatient obstetrics and gynecology. A description of available courses can be found below. Contact Dr. Sarah Dotters-Katz (sd132@duke.edu) for additional information.

Additionally, for students interesting in matching in OB/GYN, the department sponsors a Career Goal Advising Program.

Help with the Match

This program is designed to support students through the residency application and match process. Students meet with the Career Goal Advising Team (CGAT) starting in late Spring of their third year to start to think about sub-Is, letter writers, working on their CVs etc. Support with CV and personal statement preparation happen in late Spring. The CGAT helps organize meetings with the Chair and residency director over the summer as well. The student works with the CGAT to develop a list of schools to apply to that fits their individual wants / needs / application. During interview season, the CGAT helps the student reach out to programs if needed, organizes a mock interview day, and a dinner with current interns. The CGAT meets with students after interviews to help develop the match list. In general, the goal of CGAT is to help the students match at programs that fit their goals while making the process easier to navigate and low stress. If you have questions or are considering Ob/gyn, please email Dr. Sarah Dotters-Katz (sarah.dotters-katz@duke.edu).

Electives

Clinical Reproductive Endocrinology – OBGYN-431C. This course for students who desire additional basic and clinical experience in examination, diagnosis, and treatment of obstetric and gynecologic patients with endocrinopathy and infertility. Course consists of clinical core of reproductive endocrine problems correlated with examination and treatment of patients in the Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic, in surgery, and in the hospital. Exposure to assisted reproductive technologies is also available depending on the current clinical load. Permission of the instructor is required for enrollment. Credit: 4. Enrollment: max 1. 

Preparation for OB/GYN Residency - OBGYN-404C. This two-credit course is designed to build on the foundation laid in the Capstone Course to further prepare students specifically for OB/GYN residency, though it is open to other students as well. Emphasis is placed on knowledge/skills necessary to succeed as PGY-1. Coursework includes high yield patient management didactics, review of common obstetric and gynecologic surgeries and procedures, critical appraisal of the literature / journal club, basic surgical skills (gowning, gloving, prepping, draping, suturing, knot tying), simulation of obstetric emergencies, practice pages, and Resident- as-teacher sessions, as well as time to work directly with faculty and residents. The course will be graded Credit/No Credit. Credit 2. Enrollment max 20; Enrollment Min: 2. Students should meet at 248 Baker House on the first day. For questions about the time to meet, and/or the class dates in April, please contact Dr. Sarah Dotters-Katz (sarah.dotters-katz@duke.edu). Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD

ObGyn 410C.  Complex Family Planning Elective.  During this 2-week rotation, students will be part of the complex family planning team, providing patient care in the clinic and operating room settings. Patients seen in our clinic are seeking contraception, abortion, or miscarriage care. Many of the patients seen in our clinic have complex medical histories and require expert care. Students will gain experience counseling patients about contraceptive options and will learn about abortion care in the context of North Carolina’s current laws.   Permission number is required for enrollment.  Contact Sarah Wright (sarah.e.wright@duke.edu) to obtain a permission number. Student should report to CFP clinic - 4200 unit - Duke North on the first day.  Students will be contacted with additional information as well.  Credit: 2; Maximum Enrollment:  2.  Beverly Gray, MD, and Jonas Swartz, MD/MPH

Sub-Internships

Gynecological Cancer Sub-Internship – OBGYN-405C. This course presents a clinical experience in the management of patients with a gynecologic malignancy. This will include operating room, inpatient unit and clinic experiences. The student assumes the role of a sub-intern. Outpatient, inpatient, and operative exposure to these patients is extensive. The student should report to the 6300 work room at 6:00am. Credit: 5 Enrollment: max 1. Andrew Berchuck, MD; Brittany Davidson, MD; Laura Jean Havrilesky, MD; MD; Angeles Alvarez Secord, MD; Kim Nolte, PA-C; and gynecologic oncology fellows.

Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery Sub-Internship – OBGYN-407C. For students preparing for obstetrics and gynecology, general practice, surgery and urology. Emphasis is placed on the outpatient assessment and inpatient or ambulatory management of patients with acute and chronic Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery disorders including pelvic floor dysfunction, pelvic organ prolapse, urinary and fecal incontinence, and others. Students have the opportunity to work closely with faculty members in the Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery. Participation in the operative care of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery patients is desired. Time for independent study is planned. The student is expected to utilize this time to review and present a specific clinical problem with frequent guidance and input from a member of the Uroynecology Division with similar interests. Credit: 5. Enrollment: max 1. Contact: Alison.weidner@duke.edu. Enrollment Max. 1; Credit: 5. Prior to the first day, the student should contact Duke Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, 5324 McFarland Drive, Suite 310, Duke Medicine Patterson Place, Durham, NC 27707; Phone: 919-401-1001. Students meet at the Patterson Place location at 8:30am on the first day of the rotation. Alison Weidner, MD; Cindy Amundsen, MD; Matthew Barber, MD/MHS; John Jelovsek, MD; Amie Kawasaki, MD; Nazema Siddiqui, MD; Anthony Visco, MD; and Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery fellows.

Clinical Obstetrics Sub-Internship (Maternal Fetal Medicine) – OBGYN-447C. This course is for students preparing for general practice of medicine, pediatrics, or obstetrics and gynecology. This course studies the relationship of clinical factors during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Emphasis is placed on abnormal conditions of pregnancy as related to the infant. Current problems in the maternal-fetal relationship are outlined. The student functions on an intern level and takes part in activities of the house staff and faculty in the inpatient and outpatient arenas. Opportunities for experience in prenatal ultrasound, diagnosis and genetic counseling available. Meet on the 5th floor of Duke Hospital, L&D workroom at 6:45AM on the rotation's first day (rounds begin at 7:10AM). For more information, please contact Dr. Sarah Dotters-Katz  (sd132@duke.edu). Secondary contact: Sarah Wright at sarah.e.wright@duke.edu. Credit: 5. Enrollment: max 2. Sarah Dotters-Katz, MD