Many medical students choose to specialize in a specific field of medicine. A medical specialty focuses on a specific aspect of medical care, and some specialties necessitate more extensive training than others. Depending on where they practice, a medical student who wants to become an OB-GYN specialist will need to complete eight years of school and up to four years of residency training.
Students study courses on the development, treatment, anatomy, and pathology of the female reproductive system in order to become an OB-GYN specialist. OB-GYNs are considered two specialties in one, as they treat both pregnant and non-pregnant women. Obstetrics is concerned with the care of pregnant women, whereas gynecology is concerned with the care of women of reproductive age and those who have passed that stage. OB-GYN specialists provide both routine physical care and surgical procedures involving the reproductive system.
Students interested in pursuing a career as an OB-GYN specialist can also pursue a sub-specialty in the field. High-risk pregnancies, postmenopausal and geriatric medicine, gynecological oncology, and other OB-GYN subspecialties exist. Practitioners who want to become an OB-GYN specialist with a sub-specialty in the United States typically train in a fellowship program after their residency period is completed.
Pelvic exams, pap smears, pregnancy tests, prenatal care, and breast cancer exams are all common procedures performed by OB-GYN doctors. They prescribe mammograms, birth control, antibiotics, hormone replacement therapy, ultrasounds, and other procedures related to women’s health. Essentially, this specialty deals with any issue that affects women’s health.
Doctors who choose to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology provide a valuable service to the female population in their practice area. While many of the patients in this specialty are pregnant women, making childbirth a large part of the practice, increased health awareness has led to new developments and more diverse aspects of the specialty. In addition to reproductive health, an OB-GYN may see female patients with a variety of other health issues, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, urological issues, and sexual and psychological issues. Many women now regard their OB-GYN as their primary care provider.