Overall, this rotation was a great transition from my pediatrics rotation to OBGYN. From my NICU and Family Medicine experience, I was able to integrate everything I learned thus far and apply it to OB/GYN clinic, OB-call, and GYN-call shifts.

During my time in OB/GYN clinic, I learned and gained confidence in managing common concerns such as cystocele, stress/urge incontinence, vaginitis (BV, Trichomonas, Atrophic, and Candida), genitourinary syndrome of menopause & vasomotor symptoms, abnormal pap smear results, postmenopausal bleeding, fibroids, bartholin cysts, and post-op management after hysterectomies, c-sections, myomectomies, etc… I also practiced and gained confidence in performing pelvic exams, obtaining pap smears and vaginal swab specimens, and prenatal ultrasound to listen for fetal heart rates via the mini bedside Doppler. I was also grateful to learn about various procedures performed in the clinic. For example, Nexplanon insertions/removals, IUD placements/removals, and endometrial biopsies.

During my week of OB-call, I was able to participate and observe vaginal births handled by CNMs, learn more about fetal category tracings, see bedside biophysical profiles done, and learn how to read EFM tracings. During my 2 weeks of GYN-call, I was able to confidently learn and manage the concerns of vaginal bleeding during pregnancy, learn how to read transabdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds (identifying any POC, free fluid, organ placement, measuring endometrial stripes, measuring ovaries, etc…), and was also able to participate in c-sections where I was able to scrub in and be a second-assist. This is when my experience from observing c-sections in the NICU kicked in, as I knew what to expect.

Throughout my shifts, I received valuable feedback from my preceptors regarding pertinent history-taking, physical exam techniques, speculum techniques (especially when it comes to c-section patients where the cervix is more anterior), and the development of differential diagnoses for certain presentations. The feedback and teachings helped strengthen my clinical reasoning skills and increased my confidence in managing OB/GYN cases.

Overall, I found this rotation to be both rewarding and educational. I enjoyed the days in the clinic and GYN-call, as there was more patient volume to be exposed to and learn from. Learning from multiple preceptors allowed me to gain different perspectives and practical tips that will continue to guide my clinical practice.