Management of Obesity During Pregnancy and Periconception: Case-Based Learning for OB/GYN Clerkships

Medical students lack knowledge about the effects of bariatric surgery on pregnancy and medical management of obesity as it relates to reproductive health. Additionally, there is bias toward obese patients among clinicians and learners. Our goal is to improve knowledge and make students aware of the possibility of bias in their management of obese patients.

We designed a flipped classroom learning experience focused on teaching students about the impacts and management of obesity and bariatric surgery on pregnancy and reproductive health. Before the seminar, students took the Implicit Attitude Test (IAT) and read two articles. During the 60-minute seminar, students worked in small groups discussing clinical vignettes, IAT results, and how bias affects patient care. One faculty preceptor oversaw the work and led discussions. We evaluated pilot seminars using Kirkpatrick levels 1 (reaction) and 2 (knowledge) outcomes. We measured change in knowledge after the seminar (using pre- and postseminar quizzes) and assessed students' feedback using a postseminar survey.

This module was piloted with one in-person group (n = 9) and one virtual group (n = 11) of third-year medical students. Students' knowledge improved (48% vs. 84% correct, p < .001), and they displayed statistically significant improvements in quiz scores postseminar.

Educators striving to teach learners about the management of obesity in pregnancy using evidence-based medicine should integrate this module into their medical student clerkship curricula.