The educational functions of the OB/GYN department are focused around three primary objectives of education, research and service. Each of these objectives is focused on providing the latest in clinical knowledge and skills to medical students and residents in the Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty. In addition, the department takes pride in being a leading advocate for Women’s Health Care in general. While the department is headquartered at the University Women’s and Children’s Health Center, teaching and clinical services are also provided out of the Crusader Clinic and Swedish American Hospital.

Education
The OB/GYN department provides training at the following phases of the medical education process.

• Medical Students
  During their third year of medical school, students participate in an eight-week OB/GYN rotation, which includes both ambulatory and hospital care settings.
• Residency Training
  Resident training comprises the majority of the teaching services provided through the OB/GYN Department.
  
  1. Family Practice Residents participate in a four-month rotation during their first and second years. Residents in their third year of training participate in a one-month Gynecology rotation. All of the OB/GYN residency training is designed to be progressive in nature, whereby each year the Resident assumes more responsibility for overall medical management of each patient.
  
  2. Because the program in Rockford allows for an extensive surgical experience the OB/GYN department will be requested to provide training opportunities for OB Residents from other programs. The department strives to accommodate such requests on an as needed basis.

Research
The OB/GYN department is actively involved in research projects leading to breakthrough findings in the areas of Pelvic Pain Management and Endometriosis, including the latest in pharmaceutical applications.

Service
In addition to the education and research objectives, the OB/GYN department is committed to community service. Several faculty are actively involved in providing leadership in women’s health on a local, regional and national level.