Using a computer presentation program and a web-based program to teach the core rotation in obstetrics and gynecology

To describe the curriculum modification of required PowerPoint (Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003, Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington) presentations by medical students during the core obstetrics-gynecology rotation.

A retrospective review of 90 medical students' PowerPoint presentations, grades and evaluations from 2000 to 2004. Descriptive and correlation tests were used as appropriate.

Most Association for Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO) objectives were covered by the students' PowerPoint presentations; sections on breast disorders and human sexuality were minimally covered. The students' PowerPoint presentations were posted on the clerkship official website in 2004 and have been accessed by students as educational material. Overall, 70-90% of students found the curriculum useful and thought that it improved their educational experience in obstetrics-gynecology; however, about one third did not think they obtained assistance from the faculty and did not find it easy obtaining the required material. There was a significant positive correlation between PowerPoint presentation grades with the oral (r = 0.408, p = 0.000), National Board of Medical Examiners Obstetrics-Gynecology examination (r = 0.362, p = 0.000) and clinical (r = 0.329, p = 0.002) scores. Also, the PowerPoint presentation curriculum was shown to effectively teach many of the segments of Accreditation Council of Graduate Medical Educators (ACGME) competency.

A PowerPoint presentation by students is useful in enhancing educational experience and can be used to cover APGO educational objectives and ACGME competency.