Pediatric and adolescent women's health curriculum

Abstract

Background Pediatric training has often focused on treating infants and children. Pediatricians need to be knowledgeable about the different psychological and sexual changes their patients are experiencing as they become adults. The purpose of developing the Pediatric and Adolescent Women's Health Curriculum was to provide Pediatric residents with the training they need to care for their female adolescent patients. Methods An evaluation of the existing Pediatric residency curriculum was done, as well as an extensive literature search for relevant issues affecting women's health. Then, additional didactic and clinical experiences focusing on both reproductive and non-reproductive women's health issues were made available within the curriculum. Results Building on required rotations in adolescent, developmental and behavioral medicine, residents are given the opportunity to further their gynecological and reproductive health care training through a formal elective in advanced gynecology. This includes developing procedural competency in the diagnosis of cervical dysplasia using colposcopy, cervical biopsy and treattnent modalities, and pregnancy termination. This is a time to expand knowledge and management skills in areas such as dysfunctional uterine bleeding, anovulation, hirsutism, precocious puberty, and dysmenorrhea. The second elective course in the curriculum provides exposure to Perinatology. Teenage pregnancy is a problem for the mother as well as the fetus. Pediatricians need to know how to treat their pregnant patients that have cystic fibrosis, hypertension, asthma, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and a multitude of other medical illnesses. It is also important to recognize the complications that may occur at delivery and affect the infant. In addition to these two rotations, every required and elective rotation is supplemented with issues concerning women's health, including an emphasis on health promotion and disease prevention. Residents are also required to attend monthly grand rounds which cover such topics as obesity, evaluating a breast mass, depression, physiology and development, and preconception counseling. Conclusion Women's health care can be successfully incorporated into an existing Pediatric resident curriculum with minor modifications. It is imperative that physicians be adequately trained to care for children of all ages, from birth to adulthood. Currently, Pediatrics is often deficient in curriculum relating to women's health care, especially non-reproductive issues. This information can be made available and proficiency obtained for those interested through our existing Pediatric and Adolescent Women's Health Curriculum.