Before starting my OBGYN rotation, I didn’t really know what to expect. I wasn’t particularly very excited about it, but I also wasn’t dreading it. However, now that I look back, I enjoyed this rotation very much and found it to be much more engaging and rewarding that I had anticipated. OBGYN was a field that I had never been exposed to before, so every visualization, procedure, and even patient interview felt new. During my time in clinic, I learned how to measure fundal height, use handheld dopplers to assess fetal heart tones, and evaluate fetuses using ultrasound. While these skills may see simple, they required significant practice to perform with confidence. Understanding fetal positioning during different weeks gestation was essential for these assessments, making Leopold maneuvers particularly important. For example, I learned that a handheld doppler is typically used to assess fetal heart sounds in the second and third trimesters, while ultrasound can provide a more detailed evaluation when needed.

During GYN visits, I initially felt nervous performing pelvic exams, especially using the speculum, because I was worried about causing discomfort to the patient. Over time, I learned the importance of patient communication and comfort, such as ensuring the patient was relaxed, using gentle touch, and clearly explaining each step of the exam. I also learned a lot by observing providers who consistently took the time to educate their patients, allowing me to learn alongside them. One of the more challenging aspects of this rotation for me was history taking. During my first solo patient interview, I realized I had missed key components of the patient’s OB and GYN history when presenting to the provider. Although I initially felt embarrassed, I recognized this as an opportunity to improve. That same day, I made a structured template in my notebook outlining the essential questions to ask every patient. By the end of the rotation, I was able to conduct a thorough and organized interview without needing to reference my notes. Of course, there is (and will always be) room for improvement in this area.

As I mentioned, many of the experiences during this rotation were entirely new to me. I vividly remember witnessing (and participating in) my first vaginal delivery and feeling a sense of awe. Despite the physical and emotional demands of labor, the outcome was incredibly rewarding. I realized how vital the support and encouragement from the healthcare team were in guiding the patient though the process, and I felt grateful to be part of such a meaningful experience. During my overnight shift, I also observed and helped in an emergency C-section. The urgency and efficiency with which the team prepared the patient and transitioned to the OR highlighted the importance of clear communication and teamwork. When I was asked to scrub in, I felt both excited and nervous, as it was my first time participating in a procedure in the OR. The procedure went smoothly, and I appreciated the opportunity to assist with retracting the skin to help visualize the area better, as well as cut sutures at the end. This experience allowed me to realize the importance of both precision and efficiency in surgical settings.

Overall, this rotation was a very valuable learning experience. The patients were welcoming and allowed me, as a student, to be part of both exciting and vulnerable moments in their lives. This experience has significantly increased my interest in OBGYN, and is now a field I will strongly consider moving forward!