Identifying core obstetric and gynecologic skills required of, and used by, graduates of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University.

BACKGROUND

Acquisition of core practical skills by students assures quality and relevance of medical education.

PURPOSE

To determine whether students and interns are acquiring core obstetric and gynecologic skills.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire was sent to obstetric and gynecology clerkship coordinators (n = 3), consultants (n = 14), residents (n = 13); interns (n = 13) and final-year students (n = 29; n = 93, response rate = 77%, N = 72). The questionnaire contained a stimulus list of 21 clinical, 8 communication, and 5 professional skills.

RESULTS

Of 34 listed skills, 24 were identified as core skills. At least 50% of consultants, faculty, and residents expected 28 core skills to be covered in the undergraduate program. At least 50% of interns believed that 21 core skills had been acquired at graduation.

CONCLUSION

Our curriculum is facilitating acquisition of core obstetric and gynecologic skills.