Main description:

PROLOG (Personal Review of Learning in Obstetrics and Gynecology) is a voluntary, strictly confidential, self-evaluation program. PROLOG was developed specifically as a personal study resource for the practicing obstetrician - gynecologist. It is presented as a self-assessment mechanism that, with its accompanying performance information, should assist the physician in designing a personal, self-directed life-long learning program. It may be used as a valuable study tool, reference guide, and a means of attaining up-to-date information in the specialty. The content is carefully selected and presented in multiple-choice questions that are clinically oriented. The questions are designed to stimulate and challenge physicians in areas of medical care that they confront in their practices or when they work as consultant obstetrician - gynecologists. PROLOG also provides the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (the College) with one mechanism to identify the educational needs of the Fellows.
Individual scores are reported only to the participant; however, cumulative performance data and evaluation comments obtained for each PROLOG unit help determine the direction for future educational programs offered by the College. "The PROLOG Series" offers the most current information available in five areas of the specialty: obstetrics, gynecology and surgery, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, gynecologic oncology and critical care, and patient management in the office. A new PROLOG unit is produced annually, addressing one of those subject areas. "Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Sixth Edition", is the third unit in the sixth 5-year "PROLOG Series". Each unit of "PROLOG" represents the efforts of a special task force of subject experts under the supervision of an advisory committee. "PROLOG" sets forth current information as viewed by recognized authorities in the field of women's health. This educational resource does not define a standard of care, nor is it intended to dictate an exclusive course of management.
It presents recognized methods and techniques of clinical practice for consideration by obstetrician - gynecologists to incorporate in their practices. Variations of practice that take into account the needs of the individual patient, resources, and the limitations that are special to the institution or type of practice may be appropriate. Each unit of "PROLOG" is presented as a two-part set, with performance information and cognate credit available to those who choose to submit their answer sheets for confidential scoring. The first part of "The PROLOG" set is the Assessment Book, which contains educational objectives for the unit and multiple choice questions, and an answer sheet with return mailing envelope. Participants can work through the book at their own pace, choosing to use "PROLOG" as a closed or open-book assessment. Return of the answer sheet for scoring is encouraged but voluntary. The second part of "PROLOG" is the Critique Book, which reviews the educational objectives and questions set forth in the Assessment Book and contains a discussion, or critique, of each question. The critique provides the rationale for correct and incorrect options.
Current, accessible references are listed for each question.