A Letter from the Clerkship Director

The University of Minnesota is an exciting place to complete your undergraduate education in women’s health.   As a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, the University is a leader in providing innovative, comprehensive, and multidisciplinary health care for women.  Dean Deborah E. Powell, the only female dean of a research-intensive medical school, consistently supports the education program in women’s health. 

It is in this environment that you will acquire skills in providing primary health care to women over the next six weeks.  Although many of you will not ultimately enter the field of obstetrics and gynecology, you will continue to use the lessons of this rotation throughout your medical career.   Whatever area of medicine you choose to practice, it is likely that half of your patients will be female.  It is important that you understand their special health care needs.

Our faculty and residents are committed to teaching and are constantly evaluated on this commitment.  To be effective teachers, we need open-minded students with a desire to learn.   We expect you to act in a professional manner at all times.   Intellectual curiosity, timeliness, respectfulness, and initiative are highly valued on this rotation.  

Obstetrics and gynecology is a difficult field, and it takes a truly outstanding student to earn an Honors grade in the clerkship.   To give yourself the best chance for a top grade, study hard for the exam, read all that you can, and be proactive about your clinical education. 

I am available several days a week to meet with students.   If you are having trouble in the rotation, if you are thinking about residency in obstetrics & gynecology, or if you have any questions or concerns you would like to discuss, please feel free to contact me. 

Sincerely,

June LaValleur, MD
Clerkship Director