Module overview
This module focuses on the Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Genitourinary Medicine ( for BM(EU) also Urology) knowledge, understanding and professional skills required of an F1 doctor, and the assessments within this module will focus on these areas.
The BM programmes are however highly contextualised and integrated programmes in which the application of knowledge and understanding, clinical skills and professional practice applicable to medicine are learned through a range of modules none of which are stand alone modules and therefore this module should be recognised by teachers and students alike as part of the whole year and programme. The O&G & GUM Module in year 4 of the BM programmes is studied along with 4 other clinical teaching modules in Acute Care, Specialty Weeks, Psychiatry and Child Health; a year long medical Ethics & Law (MEL) module; and a Year 4 assessment module. The emphasis of the assessments for each of the modules aligns with the focus of learning for that module, however the integrated nature of the course means that there will undoubtedly be overlap and aspects of the assessment in each module will draw upon learning from modules studied in earlier years as well as modules studied in that year. In addition, the MEL module and Year 4 assessment modules have been purposely designed to assess learning outcomes covered in any of the 5 clinical modules from the year.
The module will normally take the format of an 8 week placement in one or more of our University of Southampton partner trusts. The timing will vary for different student groups and the teaching staff will vary for different trusts and student groups. As is the nature of clinical placements, the exact learning experiences of each student will be variable however all students will receive the same broad opportunities sufficient to achieve the learning outcomes of the module and it is expected that students will take responsibility for making the most of the opportunities provided and being pro-active in securing experiences in areas in which they feel they have weaknesses and/or they have had fewest learning experiences.
During the module students will see a broad range of clinical presentations, in both acute and chronic settings. Students will experience those elements of clinical practice unique to this field, such as the management of labour and birth, the investigation and management of common gynaecological conditions, the investigation of sexually transmitted infections and the provision of individualised and tailored contraception. In their clinical years we encourage students to practically apply the basic core-knowledge acquired in the earlier years of medical teaching (especially from the second year Endocrinology and Life Cycle module).