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Table of Contents > Part A: Introduction > Philosophy and Scope of the Course
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Philosophy and Scope of the Course

The character of women’s health as a discipline is unique in that the student encounters many patients who are essentially well. Thus, the language of the Core emphasises wellness and maintenance of health, for instance in its view of pregnancy, childbirth and menopause as health presentations. In addition, exposure to the women’s health Curriculum provides resources for the student to explore and develop skills in evidence based medicine, statistics, self wellness and ethics.

The National Core Curriculum in women’s health is formulated with reference to the healthcare of women from conception to old age, acknowledging that the domain of ‘women’s health’ extends beyond sexual and reproductive health. In breaking with the traditional limits implied by ‘Obstetrics and Gynaecology’, we aim to present the undergraduate with a sound appreciation of principles in women’s health a holistic context which takes into account the woman according to her perception of self and as an individual in particular circumstances.

The core curriculum is understood by all within the collaboration to make up a minimum of 80% of any one university’s women’s health course curriculum. The remaining 20% allows for regional differences in health care needs, expertise and focuses of the various medical schools.

Scope of Women’s Health

1. Health Maintenance
  • fertility control
  • screening (breast, genital)
  • sexual health (male and female – sexuality, education, prevention of STIs)
  • uncomplicated pregnancy and birth

2. Women in Society – topics
  • women and work (paid and unpaid)
  • women as carers
  • women in medicine
  • multicultural issues in women’s health
    • religious considerations
      • genital mutilation
    • Aboriginal uniqueness
  • social issues in women’s health
    • violence against women
      • domestic violence
      • sexual assault
    • modes of sexual expression
  • women with disabilities
  • demands of an ageing population
    • maintenance of health
    • death and dying
    • socio-economic effects in older life
  • mental health in women
    • body image
    • family interaction
    • women and loss and grief
    • depression, anxiety, suicide
    • ante and postnatal mental health

3. Clinical problems in women’s health
  • pregnancy, birthing and post partum health issues
  • gynaecological disorders

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