Gynecology I (MMed Year I)
This outline is suitable for a Master of Medicine (MMed) in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is aligned with competency-based postgraduate training frameworks such as the UR Residency Curriculum and internationally recognized OB/GYN curricula.
Course Title
Gynecology I: Foundations of Clinical Gynecology and Women’s Reproductive Health
Course Duration
* One semester (16–18 weeks)
* 60–80 contact hours
* Clinical rotations in gynecology outpatient clinics, wards, operating theatre, family planning, infertility, and colposcopy units
Course Description
This course provides residents with a comprehensive understanding of normal female reproductive physiology, common benign gynecological disorders, reproductive endocrinology, contraception, infertility, and gynecologic infections. Emphasis is placed on evidence-based diagnosis, clinical reasoning, procedural skills, and patient-centered care.
Course Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, residents should be able to:
* Explain normal reproductive anatomy and physiology.
* Perform comprehensive gynecological history taking and examination.
* Diagnose and manage common gynecological disorders.
* Interpret laboratory and imaging investigations.
* Counsel women regarding contraception and reproductive health.
* Evaluate infertile couples using evidence-based approaches.
* Recognize gynecological emergencies.
* Demonstrate professionalism, communication, ethics, and teamwork.
Course Content
Topic 1: Basic Sciences in Gynecology
* Female reproductive anatomy
* Pelvic anatomy
* Embryology of the genital tract
* Physiology of the menstrual cycle
* Reproductive endocrinology
* Puberty and menopause
Topic 2: Clinical Evaluation in Gynecology
* Gynecologic history
* Physical examination
* Pelvic examination
* Speculum examination
* Bimanual examination
* Documentation
* Differential diagnosis
Topic 3: Diagnostic Techniques
* Pelvic ultrasound
* Hormonal investigations
* Cervical cytology
* HPV testing
* Colposcopy
* Endometrial biopsy
* Hysteroscopy
* Laparoscopy
* MRI and CT indications
Topic 4: Menstrual Disorders
* Amenorrhea
* Dysmenorrhea
* Abnormal uterine bleeding
* Heavy menstrual bleeding
* Premenstrual syndrome
* Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
* Chronic pelvic pain
Topic 5: Benign Gynecological Disorders
* Uterine fibroids
* Adenomyosis
* Endometriosis
* Ovarian cysts
* Benign ovarian tumors
* Pelvic inflammatory disease
* Chronic pelvic pain
Topic 6: Reproductive Endocrinology
* Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
* Hyperprolactinemia
* Thyroid disorders
* Disorders of ovulation
* Premature ovarian insufficiency
* Menopause and hormone therapy
Topic 7: Infertility
* Definition and epidemiology
* Male factor infertility
* Female infertility
* Ovulatory disorders
* Tubal disease
* Uterine factors
* Fertility investigations
* Basic fertility treatment
* Assisted reproductive technologies (overview)
Topic 8: Family Planning
* Contraceptive counseling
* Combined hormonal contraception
* Progestin-only contraception
* Intrauterine devices
* Emergency contraception
* Permanent contraception
* Contraception in women with medical disorders
Topic 9: Gynecologic Infections
* Vaginitis
* Cervicitis
* Pelvic inflammatory disease
* Sexually transmitted infections
* HIV in gynecology
* Genital tuberculosis
Topic 10: Urogynecology
* Pelvic organ prolapse
* Urinary incontinence
* Overactive bladder
* Fistula (overview)
Topic 11: Gynecologic Emergencies
* Acute pelvic pain
* Ovarian torsion
* Ruptured ovarian cyst
* Tubo-ovarian abscess
* Acute abnormal uterine bleeding
Clinical Skills
Residents should demonstrate competence in:
* Gynecologic history taking
* Pelvic examination
* Speculum examination
* Pap smear collection
* Cervical biopsy
* Endometrial biopsy
* IUCD insertion and removal
* Implant insertion and removal
* Office ultrasound interpretation
* Colposcopy (observation/basic performance)
* Counseling for infertility and contraception
* Interpretation of hormonal assays and pelvic imaging
Teaching Methods
* Interactive lectures
* Case-based learning
* Bedside teaching
* Skills laboratory
* Simulation training
* Outpatient clinics
* Operating theatre exposure
* Journal clubs
* Morbidity and mortality meetings
* Self-directed learning
Assessment
Continuous Assessment (30–40%)
* MCQs
* Short-answer questions
* Case presentations
* Mini-CEX
* DOPS
* Portfolio/logbook
* Journal appraisal
Final Assessment (60–70%)
* Written examination (MCQs, SAQs, essays)
* OSCE
* Long case
* Viva voce
Recommended References
* Williams Gynecology
* Berek & Novak’s Gynecology
* Comprehensive Gynecology (Lentz et al.)
* Shaw’s Textbook of Gynecology
* ACOG Practice Guidance and CREOG Curriculum
* WHO guidelines on reproductive health and family planning.