Medical Student Mistreatment and the Learning Environment in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Clerkship

• In Event: 46.032 - Student Perspectives and Experiences Regarding Education in the Professions

Abstract

The Obstetrics and Gynecology clerkship is associated with high rates of medical student mistreatment but the specific contributing factors are unclear. A qualitative study was conducted to explore student’s perceptions of the learning environment and mistreatment, both among students yet to start and among students having completed the clerkship. Four ninety-minute focus groups were conducted; nine pre-clerkship nine post-clerkship students participated. While students having yet to complete their clerkship hold high learning expectations, the actual experience of the clerkship seems to fall short of these expectations. Pre-clerkship students’ perceptions of mistreatment covered a wide range of behaviors while post-clerkship students focused on a lack of respect for the student as a person. Implications for reducing perceived mistreatment are offered.

Authors

• Laura E Baecher-Lind, Tufts University

• Katherine Chang, Northwestern Memorial Hospital

• Maria Alejandra Blanco, Tufts University