How to become an OB/GYN | Information about school and salary. (2023)

A doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) focuses on women's sexual and reproductive health, pregnancy and childbirth. While many obstetricians/gynecologists are recognized as physicians who deliver newborn babies or perform pelvic exams, obstetricians/gynecologists also perform a variety of surgical procedures, from cesarean sections to uterine fibroid resections. Furthermore, obstetrics and gynecology is one of the most important medical specialties for providing family planning services.

Workplace information.

Like many other medical specialties, OB/GYNs can practice in a variety of settings, from small outpatient clinics to large teaching hospitals and academic medical centers. Therefore, the percentage of time spent in the clinic versus the operating room also varies according to the obstetrician/gynecologist's particular choice of practice environment.

For an individual OB/GYN, individual work hours may also vary based on medical focus and/or residency training. For example, obstetricians/gynecologists who choose to remain actively involved in labor and delivery may be faced with a large number of late night calls and unpredictable work schedules due to the nature of the pregnancy. Another example: Obstetricians who have chosen to subspecialize in gynecological oncology often spend more time in the operating room than in the clinic, but generally have more predictable schedules.

It should be noted that OB/GYN are technically two separate specialties that many laypeople consider to be the same thing. While obstetrics and gynecology focus on the health of a woman's reproductive system, obstetricians specialize in reproductive health during pregnancy, while gynecologists focus on a woman's reproductive health outside of pregnancy. Many OB/GYNs practice OB/GYN, although some choose to pursue one field independently of the other.

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HeUS Bureau of Labor Statisticsstates that the average salary of all physicians, including obstetricians and gynecologists, exceeds $187,200. A 2016 Medscape survey of physicians found the median salary for obstetricians/gynecologists to be $277,000. In 2014, the Medical Group Management Association stated that the median salary for all obstetricians was $317,496. It is important to note that OB/GYN insurance premiums are among the highest for physicians. Salaries listed do not take into account these insurance costs, which can run into six figures for a single provider.

In general, this applies to all doctors.Department of Labor Statisticsexpects job growth of 14% between 2014 and 2024, well above average job growth. There is currently a shortage of US-born, US-trained OB/GYNs. This is largely due to the difficult lifestyle of the profession and the high cost of maintaining professional liability insurance. As a result, job prospects in this field are exceptionally high and particularly strong in certain geographic regions.

The first step in a medical practice is the successful completion of a bachelor's degree. In college, the BA subtype (BS, BA, AB, etc.) and your field of study play a minor role. However, excellent academic performance is a prerequisite. Therefore, applicants should choose a course that they like and stand out from. Pre-medical courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology are required for all applicants, regardless of specialization.

Medical school application is competitive and requires a strong application, preferably with research, leadership, and volunteer experience, as well as high academic achievement. In addition, applicants must take the Faculty of Medicine Admission Test (MCAT), a massive cumulative exam that tests basic scientific knowledge.

The degree in medicine lasts four years and is essentially divided into two components: a two-year curriculum of didactic (face-to-face) classes, followed by two years of various clinical rotations. As with graduation, medical school requires a high level of academic rigor to be eligible for a wide range of options when applying for residency. OB/GYN is a moderately competitive specialty, particularly at more prestigious institutions; It required good grades, high marks on the medical board, and preferably research on a topic related to your future medical specialty. It is also important to note that students must pass the first two parts of the three-part United States medical licensing exam (USMLE).

Upon successful completion of medical school, students earn a medical degree and complete a four-year educational program where they truly focus on obstetrics/gynecology as their chosen specialty.

All physicians require a full medical license to independently practice medicine, and this can be obtained by successfully completing medical school and the USMLE upon application to the state.

To demonstrate their mastery of their chosen specialty, most OB/GYNs seek board certification from theAmerican Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, founding member ofAmerican Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). To obtain board certification, candidates must pass a two-day board certification exam.

Through successful completion of a three-year fellowship, additional post-stay training can be acquired in specialist areas such as reproductive endocrinology or gynecologic oncology.

After completing specialized training, obstetricians/gynecologists may choose to open their own practice; join an existing group and work to become a partner; or be employed through a large academic hospital or medical center. If the candidate chooses the latter, the promotion is carried out through an academic doctorate. In hospital practice, promotions can allow for more administrative responsibilities and more control over your practice. This can manifest itself, for example, in the ability to exercise exclusively gynecology and not obstetrics.

OB/GYNs complete at least four years of college and medical school. They also spend four years studying obstetrics and gynecology at the graduate level. This phase is called stay.

Let's look at each phase individually.

To get into medical school, you must earn a bachelor's degree and pass some required courses (prerequisites).

Many medical students choose biology or chemistry. However, it is worth mentioning that no specific specialization is required. Another common approach is to study a subject you enjoy while majoring in a science.

Prerequisites vary slightly between medical schools, but generally include one year of English, Biology and Physics and two years of Chemistry. All science classes must be laboratory. It's worth noting that the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) also covers topics such as sociology, psychology, and biochemistry.

When it comes to preparing students for medical school, some colleges have a better track record than others, so ask about admission rates. The best schools often have a special pre-med program that offers academic advising, application support, and work and volunteer opportunities.

Take a look at any Pre-Med schedule and you'll likely see some of the following courses:

Most medical schools begin accepting applications for the next year's class in June. You must fill out the forms (many schools use acentralized application service) and interview with the Admissions Committee. Admission decisions are based on your academic performance, MCAT scores, interview results, letters of recommendation, and overall suitability for the program.

Here you will learn the fundamental skills all physicians need to diagnose and treat patients. As you progress through the program, you gain hands-on experience in a variety of specialties, including obstetrics/gynecology.

Medical students describe the first two years of college as similar to college but more intense. The days consist of lectures and labs. You'll also practice basic skills like performing a physical exam. Joint courses for the first and second year include:

In years 3 and 4 you start working with patients under supervision. Your school offers a variety of internships, also known as rotations, that expose you to different areas of practice. This includes basic care (internal medicine, family medicine) and specialist areas such as psychiatry, surgery, and yes, obstetrics and gynecology.

If you decide that OB/GYN is the right path for you, be sure to look for additional opportunities in Year 4. Typically, at this point you will have a few electives on your schedule to explore your interests.

Think of residency as a graduate school for doctors. Now that you have the basics down, it's time to focus on OB/GYN.

As an intern, you will continue your rotations, but now with a greater focus on your chosen specialty. Your schedule will likely include time in obstetrics, emergency rooms, and women's health services. OB/GYNs earn a relatively modest salary ($45,000 per year) and see patients under the supervision of more experienced "assistant" physicians (who have completed the full spectrum of training and are able to practice independently). Clinical training during specialist training covers all aspects of inpatient and outpatient obstetrics/gynecology, including gynecological surgery (eg, fibroid removal). You will also be exposed to various practice settings such as doctors' offices, community hospitals and family planning clinics, and some evenings and weekends over the phone.

With each year of residency, you gain more independence to care for your patients. They also take on more responsibility for teaching young medical residents and students. For complicated cases, for example a difficult birth, you can still work together with a GP, but from 4th class onwards, he usually flies alone.

In addition to caring for patients, residents perform the following activities:

Most residencies incorporate some electives. This is a good time to delve deeper into your area of ​​interest, especially if you're looking to get a training grant. Some Residents also use this time for additional research.

OB/GYN physicians who intend to practice a subspecialty must complete an additional phase of training called a Fellowship.

Board certification as an OB/GYN is technically optional, but it will definitely make your life easier. On the one hand, it will be easier for you to obtain hospital privileges (necessary for delivering a baby). Patients, especially pregnant families, increasingly prefer panel physicians.

Board Certification in Obstetrics and Gynecology is offered by three American organizations: theAmerican Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), to dieAmerican Osteopathic Association (AOA), it's himAmerican Board of Medical Specialties (ABPS). The ABPS credential may not be recognized in all states; Check with your medical advisor for more details.

To take the board certification exams, you must be local and have a license. The ABMS also requires two years of independent practical experience prior to certification.

For fellowship-trained physicians, board certification is also available in the following ABMS and AOA subspecialties:

• Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
• gynecological oncology
• maternal-fetal medicine
• Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility