What is an OB/GYN? A Look at the Doctors Specializing in Women's Health

What Is an Obstetrician?

An obstetrician is a medical doctor specializing in pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Their role extends beyond just delivering babies—they oversee the health of both the mother and the fetus throughout the entire pregnancy. This includes diagnosing and managing complications, offering prenatal education, and performing procedures such as cesarean sections. Obstetricians work closely with other healthcare professionals to ensure a safe and healthy delivery, and they play an essential part in guiding families through one of life’s most significant events.

What’s the Difference Between an Obstetrician and Gynecologist?

While obstetrics and gynecology are often grouped together, they aren’t interchangeable terms. So, what is a gynecologist? Gynecologists specialize in the broader female reproductive system beyond just pregnancy. They treat a variety of conditions related to menstruation, menopause, and fertility. Gynecologists also perform routine examinations, screenings, and surgical procedures, such as hysterectomies and laparoscopies. Together, obstetricians and gynecologists offer comprehensive care to women with questions about their reproductive health.

What Does an OB/GYN Do?

OB/GYNs have wide-ranging responsibilities depending on their subspecialty. Here’s a sample of what these healthcare professionals do on a day-to-day basis:

Prenatal and Postnatal Care—Many OB/GYNs focus on their efforts on pregnancy. These doctors provide comprehensive care during and after pregnancy, ensuring the health and well-being of both mother and baby.
Gynecological Exams—OB/GYNs conduct regular check-ups, Pap smears, and mammograms to help identify women’s health problems early.
Family Planning—Obstetricians can help women and their partners make informed decisions about family planning. They can discuss contraception and various fertility issues.
Management of Menstrual Disorders—An OB/GYN is trained to diagnose conditions such as irregular periods, heavy menstrual bleeding, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS). They are responsible for developing treatment plans that help women manage their symptoms.
Screening and Prevention—OB/GYNs play a crucial role in preventive healthcare by offering screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and advocating for vaccinations, such as the HPV vaccine, to reduce the risk of certain cancers.
Menopause Management—As women transition into menopause, OB/GYNs provide support and treatment options for symptoms like hot flashes, mood changes, and osteoporosis.

Specialties Within Obstetrics and Gynecology

Are you hoping to hone your education even further? There are numerous specialties within obstetrics and gynecology you may want to study. Consider internships and fellowships focusing on the following topics:

High-Risk Obstetrics—If you see yourself working with complex pregnancies, choose this subspecialty. High-risk obstetrics focuses on caring for pregnant women at high risk of complications. High-risk conditions can include diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
Gynecologic Oncology—This subspecialty focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the female reproductive system, such as ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, and cervical cancer.
Infertility— Infertility can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, and age. Couples all over North America struggle with this condition. If you’d like to be a part of the solution for these people, consider specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of infertility.
Critical Care Medicine—Physicians with a subspecialty in critical care medicine treat women who are critically ill or injured. This can include care for women who have suffered a heart attack, stroke, or other life-threatening condition.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine—This subspecialty focuses on caring for pregnant women and their babies. Physicians in maternal-fetal medicine often work with women who are at high risk for complications during pregnancy.
Reproductive Endocrinology—Specializing in reproductive endocrinology means your education will emphasize diagnosing and treating hormonal disorders that can affect fertility. These disorders may include those of the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

Medical school is an exciting time of discovery for aspiring physicians. Many students find themselves interested in women’s health and reproductive issues. This field of medicine comes with a wide range of benefits and joys, as well as challenges. At UAG School of Medicine, we proudly guide future obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) as they prepare for a lucrative and fulfilling career. Let’s take a deeper look at what it means to specialize in women’s health.

How to Become an OB/GYN

If you’re leaning toward a career as an OB/GYN, it’s important to start laying the foundation for your goals early. Becoming an OB/GYN takes time, dedication, and perseverance, but the outcome is incredibly rewarding. Here’s a general breakdown of how to go about becoming an obstetrician or gynecologist:

Earn Your Undergraduate Degree

Aspiring OB/GYNs begin their journey with a solid undergraduate education. While no specific major is required, most students focus on biology, chemistry, or health sciences. Make every effort to maintain a high GPA throughout undergrad, as academics will be a deciding factor during the medical school admissions process.

In addition to academic excellence, prospective OB/GYNs are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities that bolster their medical school applications. Participation in volunteer work, research projects, and internships related to women’s health provides invaluable experience and enhances your understanding of the field.

Moving on to Medical School

As you near the end of your undergraduate degree, it’s time to start applying to medical school. Once you’ve earned a spot, you’ll undergo four years of rigorous training. During the first two years, students focus on foundational medical sciences such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and physiology. This phase emphasizes understanding the body’s complex systems, developing critical thinking skills, and acquiring the medical knowledge essential for all physicians. The final two years take a more hands-on approach. Students engage in clinical rotations across various specialties and gain insights into patient care and treatment.

Beyond clinical skills, medical school education emphasizes professional development and ethical considerations. Students learn effective communication skills, the importance of advocating for women’s health issues, and the necessity of teamwork in a medical environment.

Transitioning to Your Residency

Following medical school, aspiring OB/GYNs enter a four-year residency program. This program is designed to provide in-depth training in obstetrics and gynecology. During the residency, trainees learn more about various aspects of women’s health, including managing pregnancy complications, performing deliveries, and conducting gynecological surgeries. Through clinic rotations, you’ll delve deeper into the field’s subspecialties and start to decide which one makes the most sense for your career.

In addition to hands-on clinical experience, residents participate in seminars and workshops focusing on the latest advancements, research findings, and evolving practices in the field. You’ll also be encouraged to engage in research projects to enhance your skills in critical analysis and evidence-based medicine. By the end of the residency, graduates are ready to tackle a wide range of medical and surgical challenges that arise for obstetricians and gynecologists.

How Long Does It Take to Become an OB/GYN?

For most, becoming an OB/GYN takes at least 12 years of education and training after high school. While this is a daunting time commitment to some, it may earn you a financially lucrative and emotionally fulfilling career. When you study with the UAG School of Medicine, we’ll be with you as you work through medical school and gear up for your residency.

How Much Does an OB/GYN Make?

The average salary for OB/GYNs varies widely based on their location, years of experience, and type of practice. However, most professionals in this specialty make between $200,000 and $400,000 per year. Keep in mind that regions with higher demand for women’s health services may pay more, while regions with lower demand will offer less.

Why Become a Gynecologist?

With an immense time commitment and complex coursework, many people decide that becoming an OB/GYN isn’t worth it. But those who resolve to take on the challenge reap countless benefits throughout their careers. Here are just a few of the reasons to choose a career in obstetrics and gynecology:

Variety of Cases—OB/GYNs encounter a wide range of medical conditions and scenarios, from routine check-ups to complex surgeries. This variety helps make the daily work engaging—after all, no two days are the same!
Job Stability—Qualified OB/GYNs are in high demand! This consistent need provides job stability and plenty of opportunities for you to find a fulfilling position.
Impactful Patient Relationships—OB/GYNs often have the privilege of building strong, lasting relationships with their patients, guiding them through significant life events such as pregnancy.
Compensation and Benefits—OB/GYNs often enjoy competitive salaries and benefits packages, reflecting their extensive training and crucial role in the healthcare system. This financial stability contributes to overall job satisfaction.
Opportunities to Pursue Passions—OB/GYNs choose from numerous subspecialties, allowing them to tailor their careers to their specific interests and passions. Professional development opportunities also provide the chance to learn more about your favorite topics.

Here for You During Your Educational Journey

Whether you’re excited to become an OB/GYN or have your heart set on another specialty, UAG School of Medicine is here for you. We guide aspiring physicians through a crucial phase of their education and provide resources for success. Our admissions team is happy to speak with prospective students from California, Arizona, Texas, Florida, New York, and other U.S. states. Get in touch with us today.