OBGYN

Last updated: Dec 2024

High-yield "What I Wish I Knew”:

Don’t take it personally if a patient doesn’t want you in the room for a visit/delivery. This will likely happen to you on OBGYN. Be respectful of the patient’s wishes. Also, OBGYN can be a very high-stakes specialty, especially because often two-lives are at stake. If you encounter a situation where emotions are high (from nurses, residents, attendings, etc.) again, don’t take it personally. Do what is best for the patient, which may mean giving up a learning opportunity. You can debrief after the event or speak to someone you trust about it.
Always wear shoe coverings for a delivery! Ideally the ones that go up to your knees. Labor can be a very messy process and you don’t want to ruin a nice pair of shoes!

What to expect for the rotation:

6 weeks long, mostly is M-F; depending on your site, you may have to do some night shifts and possibly a weekend shift
Usually 3 weeks Labor and Delivery and 3 patients gynecology (could be outpatient clinic, gyn-onc surgeries, benign-gyn surgeries)
You’ll likely be in at least one C-section, vaginal delivery, and other GYN surgery. You should get some opportunities to practice doing a pap smear
Labor and Delivery: will often be shifts. As an MS3, you will help out in deliveries (in vaginal deliveries: can be counting pushes, helping position patient, or even assisting with “catching the baby” (though actual level of involvement is very site/attending/resident-dependent!!). Experiences will vary highly. In C-sections, you’ll likely be scrubbed in and may get to close the fascia or skin.
Gyn clinic: experiences may vary. Some providers prefer MS3s to shadow, others will allow you to take an independent history and possibly do an exam together.

Helpful studying resources (in addition to UWorld):