Clinical Rotations

Clinical rotations are a balance of obstetrics and gynecology, with inpatient, surgical and ambulatory experiences. Rotations are designed to provide our residents with progressive clinical responsibility.

Sample Block Schedule

Program Year 1: Uncomplicated and Common

Provide ante/intra and postpartum care for patients with uncomplicated pregnancies  (e.g, spontaneous vaginal deliveries, primary cesarean deliveries, common medical presentations, and diagnostic operative gynecology, including hysteroscopy and laparoscopy).

  • 6 Rotations in Obstetrics (2 day time, 2 night, 2 ambulatory)
  • 4 Rotations in Gynecology (2 surgery, 2 ambulatory)
  • 2 Rotations in Gynecologic Oncology

Program Year 2: Complicated and Common 

Provide care for patients with common obstetrical complications (e.g, previous Cesarean section, abnormal fetal growth, multifetal gestation, preterm labor) and common peripartum medical comorbidities (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, infectious diseases).  Manage urgent and emergent gynecologic concerns. Supervises and educates senior medical students. 

  • 3 Rotations in Obstetrics (2 surgery, 1 ambulatory) 
  • 2 Rotations in High-Risk Obstetrics
  • 3 Rotations in Gynecology (2 surgery, 1 night)
  • 2 Rotations in Gynecologic Oncology
  • 1 Rotation in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)/Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIS) or Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
  • 1 Elective Rotation

Program Year 3: Complicated and Uncommon

Leadership focus: Building and supporting a clinical team 

Provide care for patients with atypical presentations of medical and obstetrical complications; identifies indications for consultation, referral, and/or transfer of care for patients with medical and obstetrical complications.  Able to recognize surgical complications and formulate an initial management plan.  Supervises and educates lower-level residents.

  • 3 Rotations in Obstetrics (1 ambulatory, 2 night)
  • 3 Rotations in Gynecology (3 surgery) 
  • 2 Rotations in Gynecologic Oncology
  • 1 Rotation in  Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
  • 1 Rotation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIS)
  • 1 Rotation in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)
  • 1 Elective Rotation 

Program Year 4: Complex and Atypical

Leadership focus: Leading a clinical team  

Provide care for patients with complex and atypical medical and obstetrical complications. Independently performs gynecologic procedures and demonstrates good intraoperative decision making, including the ability to modify a surgical plan based on operative findings, and recognize and manage surgical complications.  Leads a multidisciplinary healthcare team and coaches lower levels to optimize professional expectations. 

  • 3 Rotations in Obstetrics (2 days, 1 surgery)
  • 7 Rotations in Gynecology (1 night, 4 surgery, 2 ambulatory)
  • 1 Rotation in  Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
  • 1 Rotation in Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery (MIS)

 

Elective Experience

Elective experience begins as early as the second year of residency and continues throughout the fourth year. In the last few years, residents have gone to Ghana, Nigeria, Ecuador, Ethiopia, and China. Dr. Tim Johnson, the former chair of the department, has had a long standing relationship with Ghana and there is a continuous exchange of students and physicians between Ghana and the University of Michigan. In addition to numerous residents studying abroad, we frequently have visiting medical students, residents and faculty.
 
Residents routinely use their elective time to participate in research.  Elective time also allows residents to expand their clinical knowledge by focusing their time in various specialty clinics of their interest, including our vulvar disease clinic, breast health clinic, Partnering for the Future clinic, Peds and Adolescent clinic. It also allows residents time to schedule continuity cases or travel to various conferences and workshops.