Starting my rotations with OBGYN can be described as no other way but fantastic. Ever since I started having an interest in pursuing medicine as an undergraduate student, I had always been interested in OBGYN and my experience at Woodhull solidified that experience.

My first two weeks was working in the clinic, where I had gained a tremendous amount of hands on procedural experience including pelvic exams (bimanual and speculum), breast exams, pap smears, vaginal swabs, Nexplanon implant removals, and intramuscular injections. During my didactic year, I was very nervous that I would arrive at my first rotation and realize that I was unable to adequately perform the procedural portions of being a PA. This rotation boosted my confidence and confirmed that I can do procedures efficiently. It was also very interesting to experience working in a clinic. Entering rotations, I did not see myself practicing in an outpatient setting. However, my favorite part of my OBGYN rotation was the clinic experience which surprised me and has allowed me to be more open minded about working in an outpatient setting.

My third week was OB on call, which consisted of three 16 hour overnight shifts. During this time I assisted in vaginal births, saw epidurals being placed, and assisted in cesarean sections. As someone who has always been interested in the birthing process, I found this experience very eye opening and rewarding. Not only is it miraculous to assist in child birth, but it was interesting to see the patient management that occurs before and after birth.

My final two weeks was GYN on call, one week of three 16 hour overnight shifts and another week of 8 hour days shifts. During this time I also assisted in cesarean sections, but was exposed to emergency room consults, OBGYN admissions, post-operative care, and post-labor and delivery care. My favorite part was the emergency room consults, as I found it interesting to go to the emergency room to help deliver specalized OBGYN care, such as ruling in an ectopic pregnancy via point of care ultrasound.

Overall, I learned a tremendous amount during my first rotation. I solidified my interest in OBGYN, learned a lot about working in OBGYN, and solidified my ability to perform procedures.