Community Urogynecology

Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology

  • Course Information

    Course Number: ROBG602

    Prerequisites: Completion of all Phase 2 clerkships

    Length of Time: 2 or 4 weeks

    Phase Availability: Phase 3
    *Course is limited to individuals applying for residency in Urology or Obstetrics and Gynecology. Registration is dependent on Course Director approval.

    Credit Type: Physician Assessed Patient Facing (PAPFE) or Open

    Call: No

  • Contact Information

    Program Director: David Schleicher, MD

    Coordinator/Scheduling: Allison King (aking75@uic.edu)

    Location: UW Health Hospital (1401 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104)

Narrative Description: This is a 2- or 4-week variable course designed for M4 students interested in applying in OB/GYN or urology for residency or with a significant interest in the field of women’s health. The course will offer students an experience in Urogynecology care. The student will work directly with the attending on a panel of patients presenting with common urogynecology conditions. Students will gain proficiency in the gynecologic physical exam including the pelvic exam, bimanual exam, and POP-Q evaluation for pelvic organ prolapse. Students will gain knowledge and practice in surgical skills related to the care of these patients. Students will also participate in the pre- and post-operative care. This course is a fully in person course which will take place through UW Health Swedish American Hospital.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of the course students will be able to:

  1. Evaluate patients with issues pertinent to urogynecology including pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, and recurrent UTI and form plans which include medical and surgical options.
  2. Gain proficiency in elements of the gynecologic physical exam including the pelvic exam, bimanual exam, and POP-Q evaluation for pelvic organ prolapse.
  3. Participate in gynecologic surgeries and gain further proficiency in surgical skills such as suturing, knot tying, laparoscopy, Foley placement, and surgical preparation and draping.
  4. Engage with attending for postoperative management of patients.
  5. Learn and understand the principles and performance of urodynamic studies.
  6. Participate in scholarly activities, including case reports, research projects, and readings as assigned by the attending physician.

Learning Activities: Students will participate in various forms of clinical care and bedside teaching. Additionally students will participate in readings, case reports, and research projects as assigned.

Method of Assessment: Students will be directly observed by Dr. Schleicher. The standard UIC evaluation form will be used. For 2-week courses, students will receive a final grade of satisfactory/unsatisfactory. For a course 4 weeks in length, students may receive a tiered grade.

Required Reading/Educational Resources:

  1. Textbook of Female Urology and Urogynecology, Volume One, 4th edition, edited by Linda Cardozo and David Staskin
    • Section 1, Chapter 1: History of Urogynecology and Female Urology
    • Section 1, Chapter 9: Natural history and prevention of urinary incontinence and urogenital prolapse
    • Section 2, Chapter 17: International Consultation on Incontinence Modular Questionnaires
    • Section 2, Chapter 19: Questionnaires to Assess Pelvic Organ Prolapse
    • Section 3, Chapter 21: Anatomy
    • Section 3, Chapter 24: Pharmacology of the bladder
    • Section 4, Chapter 28: History and examination
    • Section 4, Chapter 31-32: Basic urodynamic tests
    • Section 7: Surgery for urinary incontinence
    • Section 8: Surgery for urogenital prolapse
  2. ACOG Practice Bulletin/Committee Opinion
    • Urinary incontinence in women. Practice Bulletin No. 155. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2015; 126:e66–81.
    • Pelvic organ prolapse. ACOG Practice Bulletin No. 214. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2019;134:e126–42.
    • Evaluation of uncomplicated stress urinary incontinence in women before surgical treatment. Committee Opinion No. 603. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2014;123:1403–7.
  3. Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery, 5th edition edited by Matthew D. Barber Mark
    D. Walters , Mickey M. Karram, Catherine Bradley

Other readings per assigned by Dr. Schleicher

General Scheduling:

  • Monday: OR
  • Tuesday: Clinic
  • Wednesday: Clinic/OR Variable
  • Thursday: Clinic, OR
  • Friday: Clinic, Independent Study/Didactic

Additional Resources: None

Miscellaneous Information: None