Failure to Achieve the Association of Professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics Objectives for Abortion in Third-Year Medical Student Curriculum

OBJECTIVE: To determine if third-year medical students achieve the Association of professors in Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) objectives regarding abortion. STUDY DESIGN: Medical students at the University of Colorado were surveyed at the end of the third year (May 2009) regarding their knowledge and experience in abortion training. Results were analyzed using chi(2) and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-seven of 131 surveys were completed. Students scored 47% correct on knowledge-based questions. No formal didactics were reported by 57%, and only 24% rotated through.a clinic that provided abortions. Didactics and clinical exposure were not associated with higher scores. Students with "any reading focused on abortion" had higher scores (52% vs. 42%, p = 0.02), as did those intending to pursue obstetrics and gynecology residencies (63% vs. 46%, p = 0.05). Students were receptive to abortion training: 80% wanted didactics and 45% reported unsatisfactory clinical opportunities. CONCLUSION: The current curriculum does not meet the APGO objectives or the needs of medical students. Given that many students will eventually care for reproductive-age women, focus on meeting these objectives is warranted. (J Reprod Med 2011;56:474-478)