[Attention in the medical curriculum for the sequelae of DES administration]

There is still a lack of knowledge among physicians with respect to epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and psychology of the former use of diethylstilboestrol (DES). A questionnaire was sent to 24 educational representatives of eight departments of general practice and 8 of gynaecology asking about the DES education programme in their departments. Response was 100%. Three of 8 general practice departments had a DES education programme, and all 8 gynaecology departments. With respect to epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment and psychology, the educational effort ranged from 50% to 75%, from 25% to 50%, and from 21% to 46% of the departments giving information regarding DES daughters, DES mothers, and DES sons respectively. The medical education with respect to DES depended much on the personal opinion and involvement of the individual teacher. Training of medical students with respect to the DES problem should be an integral part of preclinical medical education.