The Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology places at the top of our priority list educational activities within the College of Medicine throughout all four years. In the first two basic science years many of the Ob/Gyn attendings as well as residents participate in educational efforts in regard to anatomy, physiology, pathology, physical diagnosis and the longitudinal clinical experience course, to mention a few. As a clinical department we realize that at the heart of our efforts is a strong foundation in the basic sciences and therefore our desire to participate in all of these efforts, but in particular those that relate to women's health care.

During the third year clinical experience the OB/GYN DEPARTMENT has its closes contact to the student body. The traditional OB/GYN clerkship, WOMEN'S HEALTH CARE (WHC) has been integrated across the Maternal Newborn clerkship (Obstetrics), GYN Ambulatory block within the Ambulatory Care clerkship, and the GYN Surgery block within the Surgical Clerkship. This diversity throughout the entire year demonstrates the strength and diversity of our specialty and Department in obstetrics and gynecology, as we address women's health care on Labor and Delivery, outpatient primary care clinical settings and in the operating room. The women's health care collective experience throughout the entire third year demonstrates the uniqueness of the specialty in regard to the overlap of medicine, surgery, primary care, and the subspecialties in obstetrical and gynecological sonographic imaging, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, GYN oncology, fetal surgery and research activities.

In the third year an effort is made to initiate an OB/GYN specialty interest group of those students who believe a career in women's health care is their chosen direction. Efforts are made within the OB/GYN interest group to involve students in clinical activities, selection of residency programs, and research opportunities. Participation in Journal Club, Grand Rounds, and Resident Research Day are just a few of the department's activities open to students.

The fourth year efforts address the subspecialty of GYN Oncology within the mandatory oncology rotation. Electives within the USF College of Medicine and the Department of OB/GYN are offered in regard to independent study, independent research, and an OB/GYN externship. Members of the Department work with students as they choose electives outside the USF College of Medicine as well as for those students from outside who wish to pursue an elective here at USF.

This opening statement is only a brief attempt to touch upon some of the aspects and interest that the Department of Ob/Gyn has in the education of medical students, nursing students, and students within the College of Public Health in regard to Women's Health Care. We support all efforts within the USF Health. The Women's Health Care Organizational site on Blackboard has links to the three primary core clinical experiences during the third year and provides a more in depth overview an appreciation of the direction and efforts that the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology has in regard to medical student education in women's health care.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding educational activities please do not hesitate to contact us at any time.

Sincerely,
James C. Mayer, MD
Associate Professor and Director
Undergraduate Women's Healthcare Education
jmayer@health.usf.edu

Melissa Mancao, M.Ed.
Academic Services Administrator
OB/GYN Medical Student Educational Programs
University of South Florida Morsani COM
South Tampa Center 6027
Phone: 813-259-8795
Email: mjmancao@health.usf.edu