Education

Sub-Specialties

Yale provides subspecialty care for women through our five sub-specialty Divisions:

Urogynecology

Richard Bercik, M.D., Section Chief, Director of Women's Center
Kathleen Connell, M.D., Assistant Professor
Elisabeth Erekson, M.D., Assistant Professor
Marsha K Guess, M.D., Assistant Professor
Cherrilyn Richmond, M.S., APRN, WHNP, BC

The Division of Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery provides specialized care for women with urinary and fecal incontinence, uterine and vaginal prolapse, fistula, suburethral diverticulum, and other pelvic floor disorders. In addition, our Division strongly emphasizes resident education and innovative research to improve patient care.

We endeavor to provide the best possible care for our patients in an environment of respect, compassion, and sympathetic concern. Best care does not imply using the newest, the most invasive, or the most expensive treatment available. Best care in our Division means choosing a treatment with the highest long-term cure rate with low associated morbidity based on data from randomized controlled trials, when possible. Best care also means that the patient is accurately informed about all her treatment options including their advantages and disadvantages.

An important mission of our Division is to educate residents about our subspecialty. During their four-week rotation, residents are taught how to evaluate women with urinary and fecal incontinence, uterovaginal prolapse, and other pelvic floor disorders, and to implement appropriate non-surgical and surgical treatments. Residents participate in the Division's surgical cases, postoperative care, Urogynecology clinic in the Women's Center, and didactic sessions; and are encouraged to complete the suggested reading list on the following page. Residents serve as first assistant in all the Division's surgical cases. We believe that the knowledge and surgical skills gained from these activities will allow our residents to evaluate and manage pelvic floor disorders.

The third mission of our Division is to increase our understanding of pelvic floor disorders and to formulate new or improved existing treatments or devise prophylactic measures through research. At present, the focus of the Division's research includes the etiology of pelvic organ prolapse, non-surgical and surgical management of fecal incontinence, and new approaches to pelvic reconstructive surgeries. Residents are encouraged to participate in the Division's on-going research projects. In addition, faculties in the Division are always available to advise and assist in residents' research.

Fellowship Program