What is an OB/GYN: Guide to Obstetrics and Gynecology
Learn about this exciting medical specialization opportunity for future physicians.
An OB/GYN plays an integral role in women’s health and reproductive care and is one of the most desired medical specializations.
But what is an OB/GYN?
An OB/GYN is a doctor who specializes in obstetrics and gynecology, which covers pregnancy, childbirth and the female reproductive system. This area of medicine serves the entire lifecycle of women and involves diagnostic procedures, surgeries and various other treatments.
We have provided a guide to obstetrics and gynecology for those interested in exploring this dynamic field of medicine.
What is the difference between obstetrics and gynecology?
While obstetrics and gynecology are closely related, it is important to note the difference between OB and GYN.
OB stands for obstetrics or obstetrician, a doctor who cares for women and their babies specifically during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. GYN stands for gynecology or gynecologist, a doctor who specializes in the female reproductive system and provides related care for women throughout their lives.
What does an OB/GYN do?
In the OB/GYN field, some doctors choose to specialize in obstetrics or gynecology, while most choose to practice both specialties as taught at medical school and developed in residency. Both obstetricians and gynecologists can prescribe drugs and medication or perform surgery to treat patients.
So, what does an OB/GYN do day-to-day?
Firstly, it is important to note that there is no typical day in the obstetrics and gynecology field, which is an appeal to many medical professionals. The 24/7 and extensive nature of the job means out-of-hours work is a regular occurrence and daily tasks/procedures can vary considerably.
Specializing in overall women’s health, an OB/GYN covers a wide range of care, procedures and treatments. From gynecologic procedures, including hysterectomies and cervical cancer screenings, to monitoring patients and their babies throughout a pregnancy, an OB/GYN is responsible for ensuring the health and prevention of diseases for women at many different life stages.
Here are some common areas that OB/GYN covers:
- Childbirth
- Genetic screening and testing
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Reconstructive surgery
- Infertility
- Family planning
When to see an OB/GYN
An OB/GYN is one of the most important doctors for female care and wellbeing, and such practitioners can answer most questions or concerns patients may have. It is common for an OB/GYN to treat the same patient for multiple years, which helps develop trust and familiarity.
Reasons for making an appointment with an OB/GYN include annual check-ups, general questions about fertility, sexual health, pregnancy and the menstrual cycle, and concerns about any pains, changes or abnormalities the patient has noticed.
It is important for women to regularly see an OB/GYN specialist to maintain good health, detect and prevent diseases, and gain advice about healthy lifestyle choices.
What areas do OB/GYN professionals specialize in?
Most OB/GYN professionals are general doctors, however, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has outlined several subspecialties in the obstetrics and gynecology field:
- Complex Family Planning: The diagnosis and treatment of women with medically and surgically complex conditions to improve the reproductive health of women.
- Critical Care Medicine: The diagnosis, treatment and support of critically ill and injured patients, including trauma victims.
- Gynecologic Oncology: The treatment and management of patients with gynecologic cancer, including overseeing procedures.
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine: The consultation and management for patients with pregnancy complications, and addressing health concerns for both the mother and baby.
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: The evaluation and treatment of hormonal dysfunctions in women, outside of infertility.
- Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery: The consultation and management of patients with benign pelvic conditions, lower urinary tract disorders and pelvic floor dysfunction.
What are the most important skills for an OB/GYN?
Doctors in all medical fields must possess common skill sets, including strong decision-making, problem-solving, organization and emotional resilience.
However, some skills are more important for obstetrics and gynecology due to the personal subject matters discussed during consultations. This enhances the need for excellent communication and active listening skills to address the patient’s concerns and put them at ease while discussing sensitive issues or questions.
The varied nature of the obstetrics and gynecology field also requires flexibility and an adaptive approach to various situations. Consistently maintaining one’s composure improves decision-making abilities and increases overall performance levels.
With obstetrics and gynecology being a procedure-led medical field, an OB/GYN must also be able to work in high-pressure environments and maintain physical stamina to meet the demands of both minor and major surgeries.
How to become an OB/GYN
After graduating from an accredited medical school, a doctor must match into and complete a four-year postgraduate residency, potentially complete a fellowship (for those interested in a related subspecialty) and successfully pass relevant board certifications, in order to become an OB/GYN who is qualified and certified to practice independently.
An OB/GYN must also pass each step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) during (Steps 1 and 2 CK) and after (Step 3) medical school. Learn how medical students can prepare for the USMLE Step 1 here.
Doctors can also pursue a career in obstetrics by matching with a family medicine residency and sub specializing in obstetrics.
Start your medical journey at Medical University of the Americas
What is an OB/GYN? What does an OB/GYN do? What is the difference between OB and GYN?
Now that you can answer these questions, it’s time to consider an MD program from an internationally accredited medical school that will create a pathway to your future as an OB/GYN.
Medical University of the Americas offers a Doctor of Medicine (MD) Program in the Caribbean that parallels the training received at U.S. and Canadian medical schools. Our medical education and hands-on instruction is delivered by dedicated faculty members, students undertake clinical rotations in the U.S. and Canada, and our individualized support services ensure that students receive the attention and help they need every step of the way.
Want to know more about MUA and the island of Nevis? Check out this testimonial from Premier Mark Brantley:
If you dream of a career as a practicing OB/GYN physician, we’d be proud to help you get there! Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions at all.
FAQs About OB/GYN Physicians
It typically takes approximately eight years to become an independently licensed OB/GYN physician. Aspiring doctors on this pathway will typically enter a four-year medical school program, such as the Medical University of the Americas MD program, and then undertake a four-year OB/GYN residency program to gain practical experience with real patients and procedures. It can take longer for those who decide to pursue a related subspecialty via a post-residency fellowship.
Yes, obstetrics and gynecology is one of the many medical specialties that MD program graduates pursue in residency after graduation. Other major specialties include family medicine, internal medicine, pediatrics, emergency medicine, urology, general surgery, plastic surgery and neurosurgery. Different specialities require different medical residency lengths, generally lasting between three and seven years each.
OB/GYN is essentially divided into two spheres, obstetrics and gynecology. An obstetrics doctor primarily provides care for women and their babies during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. A gynecology doctor specializes in the female reproductive system more generally and provides care for women throughout their lives. However, most OB/GYN physicians will focus on both specialities, which means they focus on more than pregnancy, although that is a major component of the obstetrics field.
The cost of practicing as an OB/GYN physician will depend largely on the medical school you attend, and as such can vary considerably. At Medical University of the Americas, we’re proud to provide a financially accessible medical education that helps passionate future doctors achieve their dreams. Learn more about our affordable tuition and fees, as well as available financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
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