Undergraduate education and recruitment in obstetrics and gynaecology.

The extent and quality of exposure to obstetrics and gynaecology that is required in the undergraduate curriculum has bearing on the knowledge, clinical skills and behaviour that are expected from the student. How much involvement should clinical obstetricians and gynaecologists have in teaching human reproduction and basic physiology and related science to the undergraduate? Who should teach sexual medicine? What is the extent of practical experience which students should have? Should the student have an opportunity to study a particular area in the discipline at depth in order to encourage interest and involvement and thereby facilitate recruitment? These issues are being addressed in curricular changes in Manchester, and option teaching is considered to have the potential of enhancing interest in obstetrics and gynaecology as a definitive career.