A one month gynecological surgery rotation is required for residents on the cesarean section track. During this rotation, residents gain confidence in many diagnostic procedures and increase skills in the use of specialized equipment used in critical situations. A team of three residents, assigned to the Maternal Health Clinic, provides prenatal, delivery and postpartum care, as well as newborn care. Each resident performs approximately 50 deliveries and provides both high-risk and uncomplicated care. More general pediatrics, as well as regular and intensive care nursery experience encompasses second-year resident activity.
Residents work in teams of two.
Rural Track residents participate in preceptorships in the rural primary care environment. These invaluable experiences allow residents to learn about the lives of rural family practitioners, and to acquire the skills to diagnose and manage health problems unique to rural practice. Surgery in a rural hospital setting is significantly different than in a large hospital situation. Often, the family physician must be an important assistant at the surgical table or must provide large portions of post-operative care. Rural general surgery is an important component of the rural track curriculum.