GYN 829 Reproductive Endocrinology, 4 credits

This elective is offered to fourth year medical students who wish to gain experience in all aspects of reproductive endocrinology. 

Students will be exposed to a variety of patients in an outpatient setting as well as both office and hospital based surgery. 

A significant portion of the clinical material is centered on infertility diagnosis and treatment.  Some of the procedures utilized in the office setting will include the following: 

  • vaginal ultrasound monitoring of ovulation and early pregnancy,
  • intrauterine insemination,
  • sonohysterosalpingograms, and
  • ovulation induction with fertility medication.  

A full range of assisted reproductive technologies is performed in the office and IVF/andrology laboratory.  Students will be exposed to:

  • in vitro fertilization,
  • microinjection of sperm into oocytes (ICSI),
  • transvaginal aspiration of ovarian follicles under conscious sedation,
  • computerized semen analysis, and
  • cryopreservation of embryos, semen and testicular tissue.

In addition to infertility patients, the student will be exposed to patients with a variety of presenting complaints such as: 

  • endometriosis,
  • pituitary tumors,
  • hyperprolactinemia,
  • irregular bleeding,
  • polycystic ovarian syndrome,
  • hirsutism,
  • uterine and vaginal congenital anomalies,
  • fibroid uterus,
  • menopausal symptoms, and
  • ovarian cysts.

Hospital based surgery is performed four days a week.  The student will be exposed to:

  • laser laparoscopy,
  • operative and diagnostic hysteroscopy,
  • myomectomies,
  • exploratory laparotomies for endometriosis and a variety of benign gynecologic problems.

In addition, the various operative techniques utilized to reduce adhesion formation will be stressed.

Finally, the student will be exposed to ongoing research projects which currently include:

  • use of genetically engineered LH to determine its role in maturation of ovarian follicles,
  • epidemiological studies with endometriosis patients,
  • role of cytokines in polycystic ovarian patients with insulin resistance.

Evaluation of student performance will include didactic presentations as well as indicators listed in the Consensus Evaluation Form.

Prerequisite: MS4

Modules: A - J

Number of students: 1

Course Instructor: John Sullivan, PhD, MD

Course Coordinator: Colleen Stewart