From History to Healing: Transforming the Patient Experience With the Emergency Department Pelvic Examination

The history of gynecology and women’s access to quality healthcare has been controversial and, at times, disturbing. Today, ensuring high-quality emergency care for women is crucial, whether performing a pelvic examination, managing a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, or assessing for sexual assault. Speakers will provide evidence-based recommendations for caring for women with gynecologic and obstetric concerns in the emergency department. Topics will include strategies to improve patient trust and comfort, perform thorough exams, and offer trauma-informed care. Special focus will be placed on the proper care of sexual assault victims. At the end of this session, participants will be equipped to improve patient experience and optimize care for women.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this session, participants should be able to:
  • Discuss root historical and societal causes of inadequate healthcare for women.
  • Critically examine available literature on trauma-informed care, and care of sexual assault victims.
  • Outline strategies to improve patient comfort and experience.
  • Demonstrate history and exam protocols to optimize patient care for women with obstetric and gynecologic concerns.

Presenters:

  • Mary E. McLean, MD
  • Laura D. Melville, MD, MS
Authors

  • Mary E. McLean, MD, FACEP, FAAEM

    AdventHealth East Orlando

    Mary McLean is an Assistant Residency Director for the AdventHealth East Orlando EM Residency Program, and an Adjunct Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency and Internal Medicine for the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She originally hails from Portland, Oregon, and completed her medical education at Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine and St. John’s Riverside Hospital Emergency Medicine Residency Program. Her professional interests include medical education, research, scholarly activity, public speaking, leadership and advocacy, bias, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has spoken nationally and internationally on the medical management of cardiac, neurologic, OB/GYN, neurologic, and traumatic emergencies, as well as on medical education and career development topics. Outside of work, she enjoys documentaries, animals, travel, and being a foodie.

  • Laura D. Melville, MD, MS

    NYP_Brooklyn Methodist, Department of Emergency Medicine

    Graduate of SUNY Downstate College of Medicine 1997, Emergency Medicine residency Kings County/SUNY Downstate 2001, Brooklyn Methodist Attending ever since. Masters in Clinical Epidemiology and Research Methodology, currently serve as core faculty, Resident Research Director and as the Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner program Medical Director.

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