March 26, 2026

Before Your First: Benign Gyn Clinic

13 minutes

Your first day in benign GYN clinic is fast-paced and can feel overwhelming. In this episode, we cover what to expect, what to review ahead of time, and practical tips for running an efficient, patient-centered clinic visit — even when you only have 15 minutes.

Topics Covered:

What to Expect on Your First Day – A mix of new patients, annuals, return visits, and problem-based appointments. Common complaints include contraception, AUB, pelvic pain, abnormal discharge, STI testing, and post-op checks. Expect a fast pace and feeling slow at first.

What to Review Ahead of Time

Well woman visit guidelines

AUB basics (PALM-COEIN) and the initial workup

ASCCP guidelines (brief overview)

Contraceptive options and the Medical Eligibility Criteria app

Vaginal discharge workup — STI testing, wet prep

Tips for a Smooth, Efficient Clinic

Pre-chart! Check for recent ED visits, PCP discussions, last pap, imaging, STI results.

Document as you go — brief notes while talking, make them complete later.

Optimize your EMR — templates that make sense, favorite order sets.

Make eye contact.

Biggest Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Efficiency: Practice-focused HPIs.

Sensitive conversations: Sexual history, IPV screening, menses — be direct and compassionate.

Pelvic exam confidence: Be trauma-informed, narrate what you're doing, be quick and confident. Don't tell patients to expect pain.

Saying "I don't know": Explain your thinking, discuss with the attending, and come back.

Advice We Wish We'd Known – Your confidence in pelvic exams improves dramatically. Give it time.

About the Speakers:

Host: Lucy Brown, MD, MPH – Resident physician at Johns Hopkins GYN/OB. Dr. Brown is passionate about medical and resident education and will be pursuing a Fellowship in Complex Family Planning after residency.

Guest Speaker: Adrianna Gorniak, MD – Gyn/Ob resident at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. She has a passion for all things gynecology, with a special interest in complex benign gynecology.

Intern Ready: Ob/Gyn is a podcast aimed at interns and off-service residents beginning their post-graduate training in Obstetrics and Gynecology. The views expressed are the speakers' own and do not constitute medical advice.

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