Women’s health stands as a distinct and critical field within medicine, a reality that becomes apparent early in medical education. Physicians specializing in this area, known as obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs), serve as essential primary care providers for women. However, the precise nature of their role can sometimes seem unclear. So, What Is An Ob Doctor, exactly? And what kind of work do OB/GYNs undertake daily?
Decoding OB/GYN: Obstetrics and Gynecology Explained
A straightforward definition is the best starting point for understanding any medical specialty. Therefore, let’s break down the acronym OB/GYN. It represents the combination of two closely interwoven, yet distinct, medical disciplines. While both are focused on women’s health, the emphasis of an OB and a GYN differs significantly.
OB stands for obstetrics or obstetrician. An obstetrician is a physician dedicated to the care of women and their infants throughout pregnancy and the childbirth process. GYN, on the other hand, signifies gynecology or gynecologist. A gynecologist is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the female reproductive system. To gain further insight, we consulted with Dr. Cherie Richey, a practicing OB/GYN and president of Columbus Women’s Care.
“This branch of medicine exclusively caters to female patients, from the onset of puberty, through menopause, and extending beyond,” Dr. Richey clarifies.
A woman’s age, her decisions regarding family planning, and her specific health circumstances are all factors that shape the nature of her visits to an OB/GYN. This results in a remarkably diverse patient population for these specialists.
“As an OB/GYN, you are involved in providing women with contraceptive options, screening for various gynecologic cancers, assisting in childbirth, and performing a wide range of surgical procedures,” Dr. Richey adds, highlighting the breadth of the specialty.
Inside an OB/GYN’s Daily Routine: Clinic, Delivery Room, and Beyond
Let’s now delve into the practical aspects of what these physicians do on a daily basis. The typical workday for an OB/GYN is largely influenced by whether they are a generalist or have chosen to specialize in an OB/GYN subspecialty. Dr. Richey opted for a career as a generalist OB/GYN.
“I didn’t want to limit the scope of my practice,” she explains. “The primary reason I was drawn to this specialty was its inherent variety. Narrowing it down to a single area didn’t align with my aspirations.”
For generalist gynecologists, a significant portion of their time is usually spent in a clinical setting. Their office appointments might include conducting tests and administering treatments for infections, performing routine annual wellness exams, and providing guidance on reproductive health. On the obstetrics side, a typical office routine involves prenatal check-ups to monitor the health of expectant mothers and their developing babies. However, even on days scheduled primarily for outpatient care, OB/GYNs must be prepared for the unexpected.
“Typically, my schedule is office-based,” Dr. Richey notes. “However, there are instances when a patient comes to the hospital in labor, and I have to leave my office to attend to the delivery and then return to the clinic to continue seeing patients afterwards.”
According to the American Medical Association (AMA), surgical procedures and other interventions are integral to the role of an OB/GYN. Common procedures include performing sonograms to monitor pregnancies or diagnose gynecological issues, Cesarean sections for childbirth, and pelvic laparoscopy – a minimally invasive surgical technique used to examine and repair pelvic organs. When OB/GYNs are on call, they may be called upon to deliver babies and perform various procedures at any hour, demonstrating the demanding and unpredictable nature of the profession.
Beyond General Practice: Delving into OB/GYN Subspecialties
While the majority of OB/GYNs are general practitioners, data from the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) indicates a growing trend in OB/GYNs seeking board certification in a subspecialty. There are currently seven recognized subspecialty areas within OB/GYN, as outlined by the ABMS:
Critical Care Medicine
This subspecialty focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and supportive care of patients who are critically ill or injured. OB/GYNs in this field are equipped to manage life-threatening conditions that can arise in women, particularly during or after pregnancy and childbirth.
Complex Family Planning
OB/GYNs specializing in complex family planning work with women who have intricate medical conditions that require specialized reproductive care. They often collaborate with other healthcare providers to ensure these patients receive comprehensive and appropriate care tailored to their unique needs.
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery
Physicians in this subspecialty provide both medical and surgical treatment for women suffering from pelvic floor disorders. These conditions can include urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, and other issues affecting the pelvic organs and supporting structures.
Gynecologic Oncology
Doctors specializing in gynecologic oncology are extensively trained in the most advanced techniques for diagnosing and treating cancers of the female reproductive system. This includes cancers of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, vagina, and vulva. Their expertise is crucial in providing comprehensive cancer care to women.
Hospice and Palliative Medicine
OB/GYNs in hospice and palliative medicine focus on enhancing the quality of life and minimizing suffering for patients facing life-limiting illnesses. They work with patients to manage pain and other distressing symptoms, providing holistic care and support during challenging times.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Maternal-fetal medicine specialists are experts in managing the health concerns of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy. They are skilled in handling complex and high-risk pregnancies, including managing pre-existing maternal conditions and complications that may arise during gestation.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
Reproductive endocrinologists are OB/GYNs who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of infertility and hormonal dysfunctions. They help individuals and couples struggling with infertility to achieve pregnancy and address hormonal imbalances affecting reproductive health.
An OB/GYN consults with a patient in an office.
Key Qualities of an OB/GYN: Skills for Success
While certain qualities are beneficial for all physicians, excelling as an OB/GYN demands a specific combination of personality traits and skills. Effective communication skills are paramount. Although crucial for all doctors, this competency is even more vital for those in obstetrics and gynecology due to the sensitive nature of the specialty.
“An OB/GYN doctor’s ability to place patients at ease is so important.”
“The topics discussed in this field are deeply personal, making an OB/GYN doctor’s ability to make patients feel comfortable and at ease incredibly important,” Dr. Richey emphasizes. Building trust and rapport is essential for effective patient care in this specialty.
Adaptability and flexibility are also crucial attributes, as unexpected situations are commonplace in OB/GYN practice, as Dr. Richey highlighted. Furthermore, maintaining composure and remaining calm under pressure are essential. “You will also need nerves of steel and proficient surgical skills,” Dr. Richey adds. “It is a procedure-oriented field within medicine.”
Becoming an OB/GYN: Your Educational Journey
Like all medical doctors, aspiring OB/GYNs must first complete a rigorous four-year medical school program, followed by a postgraduate residency, and potentially a fellowship for those pursuing a subspecialty. This extensive training process typically spans a minimum of eight years. Candidates must also successfully pass each step of the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) series, including USMLE Step 1 and USMLE Step 2.
Matching for residency is a particularly pivotal step in a physician’s career path. Residency positions provide the hands-on training necessary to practice medicine independently. While it’s unlikely that any OB/GYN residency program participating in the National Resident Matching Program’s Main Residency Match would be inadequate, Dr. Richey advises prospective residents to conduct thorough research when evaluating their options.
“It’s vital to choose a program that offers comprehensive exposure to all aspects of the specialty,” she advises. Dr. Richey suggests looking for residency programs that offer a high volume of deliveries, hysterectomies, and other relevant procedures to ensure a well-rounded training experience.
For those interested in specializing, an additional fellowship is required to obtain board certification in their chosen subspecialty, further extending their training and expertise in a focused area of OB/GYN.
A pregnant woman has a sonogram in an exam room as a doctor talks to her and her partner.
OB/GYNs: Pioneers in Women’s Healthcare
So, what is an OB doctor? OB/GYNs are indispensable healthcare providers who play a critical role in addressing the diverse and vital reproductive health needs of women throughout their lives. If you envision yourself in a career dedicated to women’s health, exploring the path to becoming an obstetrician and gynecologist could be incredibly rewarding. To learn more about the necessary education and application process, explore resources detailing what it takes to pursue a medical degree, such as “A Sneak Peek at the Medical School Application Process.”
*This article was originally published in November 2018. It’s since been updated to reflect information relevant to 2023.
