As a postgraduate medical student embarking on a placement in obstetrics, gynaecology, and newborn health, you're entering a crucial phase of your medical education. This rotation offers a rich opportunity to deepen your understanding of medicine while honing your clinical skills. Access to the right resources is essential to maximise this experience. Here are the top 10 resources we recommend our medical students use:
- RANZCOG Guidelines: The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) provides comprehensive guidelines covering various aspects of obstetrics and gynaecology. While some resources on the RANZCOG website may require membership, the college often provides essential guidelines and resources free of charge. These guidelines cover a wide range of topics in obstetrics and gynaecology, offering evidence-based recommendations for clinical practice, making them indispensable during your rotation.
- RANZCOG Free Resources: RANZCOG also offers a small range of free resources covering topics relevant to obstetrics and gynaecology. O&G Magazine is freely accessible online and provides articles on the latest issues in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology, written by experts of international standing. A small selection of online modules are available to non-members, provided you create a (free) account.
- Safer Care Victoria Guidelines Maternity Handbook: Working with clinicians and consumers to help health services in Victoria deliver better, safer healthcare, Safer Care Victoria publishes the Maternity and Neonatal eHandbook guidelines.
- Therapeutic Guidelines: The therapeutic guidelines resource offers practical, evidence-based recommendations for managing health conditions, including obstetric and gynaecological issues. It provides clear guidance on diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW): Understanding demographic trends and health statistics related to health is crucial. The AIHW website provides access to a wealth of data, including birth rates, labouring parent mortality rates, and population demographics.
- Women's Health Victoria: Women's Health Victoria is a valuable organization offering resources, research, and advocacy on women's health issues. Explore their website for fact sheets, reports, and information on current initiatives and campaigns.
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Journal Club: Engaging in journal clubs is an excellent way to stay informed about the latest research in your field. Coordinate with your peers and supervisors to establish a journal club focused on obstetrics and gynaecology, where you can critically appraise recent publications and discuss their implications for clinical practice. Journals like BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth , The Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, and PLOS ONE frequently provide open-access content.
- Obstetrics and Gynaecology Textbooks: Refer to authoritative textbooks on obstetrics and gynaecology for in-depth study and reference. Talley & O’Connor’s Clinical Examination and Beischer & MacKay’s Obstetrics, Gynaecology and the Newborn by Permezel et al. are recommended. More specialised texts could include Te Linde's Operative Gynaecology, Wiliams Obstetrics, and Williams Gynaecology, and Clinical Gynaecologic Endocrinology by Fritz and Speroff.
- Clinical Practice Guidelines: Many hospitals develop their own clinical practice guidelines tailored to local protocols and resources. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines followed at your placement hospital, such as The Royal Women's Hospital Guidelines, as they will guide clinical decision-making during your rotation. Several Australian health organizations also publish clinical practice guidelines online for free.
- Australian Medical Association (AMA): The AMA is a key professional organization representing medical practitioners in Australia. Explore AMA resources on medical ethics and professional development to enrich your understanding of the broader context of medical practice.
By leveraging these resources, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities of your obstetrics, gynaecology, and newborn health placement. Remember to approach each patient encounter with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning, as these qualities will serve you well throughout your medical career.