Learning Objectives

On completion of this course, the student will possess a working knowledge of obstetrics and gynecology as practiced in military and other isolated settings.

Specific learning objectives for the first assignment include:

Know the characteristics of the population of women assigned to operational commands and the differences between military and civilian populations.

Know the requirements for routine gynecologic care, including frequency of pelvic/breast exams and Pap smears. Understand the requirements for a chaperone during exams.

Understand the use of Pap smears in detecting cervical disease, the clinical significance of various Pap abnormalities, and the role of colposcopy in diagnosis and management of these conditions.

In the second assignment, your specific learning objectives are:

Understand the relationship of Human Papilloma Virus infection to cervical disease and know how to manage such infections.

Recognize and manage the common vulvar lesions. Recognize the need for referral for biopsy for those women who may have Paget’s disease, vulvar carcinoma or vulvar dystrophy.

Learn to diagnose, using clinical history, physical exam, wet mount and other laboratory tests the common gynecologic illnesses characterized by vaginal discharge. Treat them appropriately.

Know who may safely take oral contraceptive pills and how to manage common OCP side-effects.

Know the advantages and disadvantages of contraceptive implants and injectables. Know how and when to remove contraceptive implants.

Following successful completion of the third assignment, you will:

Know how to treat abdominal pain in women when the diagnosis is unclear. Diagnose and initiate treatment of common gynecologic ailments causing abdominal or pelvic pain. Know the role of consultation, referral and medical evacuation in the diagnosis and treatment of abdominal pain in women.

Know the difference between normal and abnormal bleeding. Know how to evaluate abnormal bleeding and initiate treatment. Know when to refer the patient for further evaluation and treatment not available in operational settings.

Know how to diagnose pregnancy and establish gestational age. Know the basic elements of prenatal care, the physical limitations of pregnancy as they relate to work, exercise and disability. Understand and manage the common complaints of pregnancy. Know the precautions to be taken whenever a pregnant woman may be exposed to medications, thermal or barometric stresses and ionizing radiation. Recognize the signs of labor and have a plan for dealing with it.

Diagnose and initiate management of common pregnancy abnormalities, using non-surgical techniques when surgery is not available.

Learning objectives for the fourth assignment are:

Understand the basic medical evaluation and treatment of sexual assault.

Evaluate and treat the common urinary tract problems which may occur in women.

Understand a basic flow of management of women with vulvar itching.

Know and understand the contents of OPNAVINST 6000.1B

Learning objectives for the fifth assignment are:

Understand the medical basis for normal labor and delivery.

Understand common labor and delivery problems.

Understand basic, immediate care of the newborn.

Learning objectives for the sixth and final assignment are:

Understand normal breast development and common breast problems.

Understand menopause, the associated medical issues, and various alternatives for management.

Understand the medical support of women in military environments.