What Is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)?

Within: 10 15 20 25 50 100 150 miles of Zip code (Advanced search)

An obstetrician/gynecologist, commonly abbreviated as OB/GYN, can serve as a primary physician and often serve as consultants to other physicians. OB/GYNs can have private practices, work in hospital or clinic settings, and maintain teaching positions at university hospitals. OB/GYNs may also work public health and preventive medicine administrations.

OB/GYNs have a broad base of knowledge and can vary their professional focus. Many develop unique practices, providing high-quality health care for women. OB/GYNs may choose to specialize in the following areas:

• Acute and chronic medical conditions
  
• Adolescent gynecology
  
• Behavioral problems
  
• Cancer
  
• Endocrinology
  
• Health maintenance during pregnancy
  
• Infertility
  
• Operative gynecology
  
• Pregnancy and delivery
  
• Preventative health
  
• Urinary tract disorders
  

Education and Training Requirements

The education and training requirements for obstetrics/gynecology are set by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and include the following:

• Graduation from an approved medical school
  
• Completion of an OB/GYN residency program (minimum of 4 years in length) that is accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
  

  • Rotations divided between obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, and ultrasonography
    
  • Experience in primary and preventive care role for the equivalent of at least 6 months of the residency, including inpatient and ambulatory care; diagnosis and management of breast disease and lower urinary tract dysfunction; performance and interpretation of diagnostic pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound
    
  • Increase in patient responsibility with each year of training
    
  • Serving as chief (senior) resident during final year of residency
    

Board Certification

Once the above requirements are met, physicians are allowed to take the certifying examinations given by ABOG. Physicians who pass the examination are granted board certified status in Obstetrics and Gynecology, a pre-requisite to subspecialty certification.

If certified in obstetrics and gynecology after 1986, the physician must complete a recertification process every 10 years to maintain certified status. If certified before 1986, the physician can take a voluntary recertification process.

Subspecialties

There are four recognized subspecialties in the field of obstetrics/gynecology: gynecologic oncology, maternal/fetal medicine, reproductive endocrinology and infertility, and urogynecology/reconstructive pelvic surgery. Each subspecialty has its own certification exams administered by ABOG, and physicians can become certified in one or more of them. Certification is valid provided the primary certification in obstetrics and gynecology is up-to-date.

• Gynecologic Oncology
  
  • Concerned with consultation and comprehensive management of patients with gynecologic cancer
    
  • Requires knowledge of major cancer treatments, diagnosis, and complications of oncology
    

• Maternal/Fetal Medicine
  
  • Concerned with the care and consultation of patients with complications of pregnancy
    
  • Requires knowledge of obstetrics, medical and surgical complications of mother and fetus, current approaches to diagnosis and treatment, and newborn adaptation
    

• Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
  
  • Concerned with the management of complex problems relating to reproductive endocrinology and infertility
    
  • Requires knowledge of diagnosis and treatment of endocrinology and infertility disorders
    

• Urogynecology/Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
  
  • Classified as surgical subspecialty
    
  • Concerned with the health of the female urinary tract and surgery as a treatment
    
  • Requires knowledge of complex benign pelvic conditions, lower urinary tract disorders, pelvic floor dysfunction, and reconstructive pelvic surgery
    

What Is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN)? Resources

	Join Our Forum Do you have a question, want to share medical advice, or just need to discuss your situation with someone else having a similar experience? The healthchannels forum is a resource for everyone to share and discuss their health and medical needs with others.	Advertising Disclaimer
	Living with...Share your story Do you have a personal health story that you would like to share with others? As a source of free patient education, our goal is to provide our users with trustworthy information and support from others. That's why we've started our "Living with..." sections.
	Our "Living With..." support pages are a place to share experiences about living with a certain condition, disease, disorder, or illness and for loved ones of those dealing with health-related issues. Many people, especially when newly diagnosed, find comfort in knowing that others are having a similar experience. Help others by sharing your story. View stories already submitted. June 1st is National Cancer Survivors Day Share your survival story and help others in the fight against cancer. Read cancer survivor stories already submitted.
	Stay Updated Sign up for our newsletter and receive important updates on the medical conditions that are most important to you.
Advertising Disclaimer To quickly access health information from your website's browser, download Healthcommunities.com's healthchannels toolbar. Advertising Disclaimer