The Obstetrics and Gynecology Rotation (8 weeks)

Introduction: Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyn) is said to be one of the more difficult rotations. Dr. Hansen is an excellent coordinator with an excellent staff working with him. As with all rotations, the experience differs greatly from hospital to hospital and from team to team. For most hospitals, you will have minimal time outside the rotation, so put your free time to best use.

Structure: The total of 8 weeks is divided into 7 weeks of clinical experience, with a few days at the end to study for the shelf. The structure differs from site to site. All students have exposure to both obstetrics and gynecology, as well as inpatient and outpatient. Students rotate through one of the following hospitals for the 8 weeks:
1. Jersey City (4 students)
2. Hackensack (8)
3. Morristown (6)
4. St. Joseph's (3)
5. University (8)

Call: The call schedule differs from site to site. It is overnight call, so pack your essentials. You are expected to notify your resident/attending that you are on call. At most locations, you are expected to attend deliveries and scrub in on emergency cases.

Lottery System: The official lottery announcement is mailed to your address a few weeks before the rotation starts. You will draw numbers and select hospitals base on your number.

OSCE: This is held 1-2 weeks prior to the shelf, on a Saturday morning. There are eight stations at seven-minutes per station. A handout of the possible stations is given out the first day. The Ob/Gyn department gives a review the Wednesday before the OSCE, which is definitely worth attending. There are no surprises to this OSCE, especially if you go to the review.

Reviews: The only attendance that is required by all students is Dr. Hansen's reviews for the shelf and OSCE. Attend them and pick up any handouts. They are of great value.

Recommended Books:
· TEXTS
Williams Obstetrics by Cunningham- excellent reference, but do not buy it unless you are interested in ob. Most hospital libraries have it on reference. Only has obstetrics information, as the title indicates.

Danforth's Obstetrics and Gynecology by Scott- again, excellent reference, but do not buy it unless you are interested in ob/gyn. Most hospital libraries have it on reference.

Current Obstetrics and Gynecology by DeCherney- again, excellent reference, but not as dense as Danforth's. Very diligent students can read through it once, but do not expect recall it all for the exam.

Essentials of Obstetrics and Gynecology by Hacker and Moore- not as thick as Currents but is readable. It is in paragraph form and has some relevant sections on gyn surgeries. It is not a bad investment

Obstetrics and Gynecology for Medical Students by Beckmann - thinker than Hacker and Moore but has questions pertaining to each section. You need to be motivated to finish it.

· REVIEW
BRS Obstetrics and Gynecology by Sakala- very good book. Many students found this book to be useful, although it might be difficult to read through all of it. Students have also remarked that it had too much detail.

Blueprints in Obstetrics and Gynecology by Callahan - excellent book that is used by the majority of students. It has the appropriate level of detail for studying for the shelf. It definitely can be read in the 8 weeks, even with the demanding schedule.

· POCKET GUIDES
Obstetrics and Gynecology On Call by Horowitz- excellent reference but seems more appropriate for interns. It is helpful for learning while on call. It is also a good place to get differentials.

Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Infertility - highly recommended, if you are to use a pocket guide. Residents use this one. It gives algorithms, pictures and quick reads before surgery. Not to be used as a primary source.

Obstetrics Pearls by Benson and Gynecology Pearls by Rayburn- both very good references that can be read in the first weeks to acquaint you with the "ob/gyn" world.

· Q&A
Appleton & Lange by Vontver - decent but challenging question book. It takes a long time to go through. Some sections can definitely be skipped.

Pre-Test by Evans- decent question book, but there are a not many "shelf-like" questions. Questions are difficult, but explanations are decent. It does not take a long time to get through.

White Coat Pockets: Always carry your stethoscope, penlight, Maxwell's, Pharmacopoeia, and ob wheel. Alcohol swabs, tourniquet, band-aids, gauze can also be useful. Of note, this clerkship is similar to surgery. You might not be allowed to wear your white coat at all times, i.e. deliveries. In those cases, leave your white coat in a secure place.

Course Coordinator:
Gerard Hansen, MD
Tel: (973)972-5551
Course Assistant:
Eileen Holmes
Tel: (973) 972-5551