A literature review and proposed framework for a core curriculum in obstetrics and gynecology for medical students globally.

Abstract

There have been challenges in deciding the curricular content in obstetrics and gynecology (Ob/Gyn) for medical students because the core knowledge, competencies, and duration of Ob/Gyn clerkships, varies widely by country. To investigate current recommendations for Ob/Gyn curricula for medical students globally, in a rapid review of the literature and websites of a selection of medical schools. A targeted search of selected databases (PubMed and Google Scholar) using relevant key words and a search of university websites. Studies that applied to medical or undergraduate students in Ob/Gyn. A standardized extraction form on Microsoft excel to extract and chart data. We identified recommendations from national professional bodies (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics, and the Turkish-National Core Curriculum), and descriptions from five university websites. We also identified additional objectives, including teaching on intimate partner violence, health priorities in low- and middle-income countries, and a variation in practical skills recommended. Fitting all the recommended curricula content into medical student Ob/Gyn clerkships is a challenge. A framework to address this, for consideration by the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics and other stakeholders, is proposed in which priority is given to topics related to emergency Ob/Gyn, history taking, and examination of the pregnant and non-pregnant patient.