This elective will introduce the student to the field of Family Planning, including contraception, abortion and early pregnancy loss. It will provide the student with the opportunity to focus on this subspecialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology and study not only the basic science and clinical knowledge and skills that pertain to this field, but also to consider the public health, epidemiologic, legal, and policy influences that are relatively unique.
The student will be expected to read and assimilate several topics related to Family Planning, including but not limited to an overview of abortion care, surgical abortion procedures, medication and induction abortion, early pregnancy loss, contraception and policy and advocacy as it pertains to reproductive health. You are NOT expected to read/watch every resource included in this curriculum, simply to identify the topics that will be of the greatest use to you. Generally speaking, for students doing a 2 week rotation, we expect you will review materials from 2-4 Modules and for students doing a 4 week rotation, we expect about 4-6 Modules.
Depending on student interest and clinic availability, the student may have the opportunity to participate in Family Planning clinics or operating room cases as applicable. The student will be expected to complete a reflection about their readings and meet with the Course Director to discuss if possible.
Scholarly Project
Students will submit a 3-paragraph reflection piece at the end of their rotation using a “What”, “So what” and “Now what” framework based on their readings. The first paragraph (“What”) talks about what you did/read. The second paragraph (“So what”) will focus on how this contributed to your experience/education to date. The third paragraph (“Now what”) gives you the opportunity to consider how you will use this experience moving forward. This is meant to be an opportunity to reflect on how this rotation contributed to your education in a meaningful way.
Please email this reflection piece to the course director, Dr. Lauren MacAfee, at lauren.macafee@uvmhealth.org.