Impact of a Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Curriculum on an Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency

Study Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a new pediatric and adolescent gynecology (PAG) curriculum for improving obstetrics/ gynecology resident physician knowledge and comfort level in patient management and to describe the current deficiencies in resident physician knowledge and comfort level in PAG. Design: A PAG curriculum was implemented for the obstetrics/gynecology resident physicians (n = 20) at the University of South Florida in July 2013. Before and after the curriculum was introduced, resident physicians and recent graduates of the residency program completed a survey to assess their comfort level and a knowledge assessment consisting of 20 case-based questions. Setting: University -based residency program. Participants: Resident physicians and recent resident physician graduates in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Interventions: Introduction of a PAG curriculum during the 2013-2014 academic year. Main Outcome Measures: Improvement in resident physicians' comfort level and knowledge in PAG. Results: After the curriculum was introduced, comfort increased in examining the genitals of a pediatric gynecology patient (median difference = 1.5; P =.003) and history-taking, physical examination skills, and management (median difference = 1; P =.002) compared with before the curriculum. There was no significant difference in overall quiz score (15.5 +/- 1.87 vs 15.8 +/- 1.3; P =.78). Conclusion: A curriculum in PAG did improve resident comfort level in managing PAG patients, but did not significantly improve knowledge of this topic. Key Words: Adolescent, Curriculum, Gynecology, Internship and residency, Pediatrics1.3; P =.78). Conclusion: A curriculum in PAG did improve resident comfort level in managing PAG patients, but did not significantly improve knowledge of this topic.