OBSTETRICIAN AND GYNECOLOGIST Nisha Rajagopal

JOB DESCRIPTION/OVERVIEW

Obstetricians and gynecologists treat female patients.

They focus on women’s health, including pregnancy, birth, and general well-being.

Subspecialties for obstetrics and gynecology are: Critical Care Medicine, Gynecologic Oncology, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Maternal and Fetal Medicine, and Reproductive Endocrinology/Infertility

WAGES

The hourly wage for obstetricians and gynecologists in the United States is $80.00+

The yearly wage is $166,400+ (in the United States)

Self-employed OB/GYNs generally earn more than those who are not self-employed

SKILLS & ABILITIES

Obstetrician-gynecologists specialize in the general medical care of women, as well as care related to pregnancy and the reproductive tract

A physician must possess skills, knowledge, and ability to treat different conditions

Like most doctors, obstetricians and gynecologists focus on preventing problems before they begin

OUTLOOK

Obstetricians and gynecologists usually work more than 40 hours per week

Training lasts about 11 years after high school

About 12 percent of doctors are self-employed

KNOWLEDGE The obstetrician-gynecologist goes through four years of specialized

residency training in areas dealing with preconceptional health, pregnancy, labor and childbirth, postpartum care, genetics, genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis

Gynecology also includes management of hormonal disorders, treatment of infections, and training in surgery to correct or treat pelvic organ and urinary tract problems to include cancer of the reproductive organs

During four years of training, the obstetrician-gynecologist learns about aspects of preventive health care, including exams and routine tests that look for problems before you are sick, immunizations, overall health and provision of care for a range of medical problems, not just those of the reproductive system

HELPFUL HIGH SCHOOL COURSES

A college preparatory program for medical school includes all major subjects such as English, math, science, history, etc.

Biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses should definitely be included

Anatomy and physiology courses are also helpful for those going into the field of medicine

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Are exposed daily to the diseases or infections that their patients have

Often wear masks or rubber gloves to protect themselves and their patients from disease

Work very near others, and must come into close physical contact with patients during examinations

WORK ACTIVITIES

Meet with female patients to gather background information

Examine patients to find location of health problems

Counsel patients on preventive health measures, such as diet, hygiene, and exercise