Obstetrics and Gynecology Education and Training

Train to work in obstetrics and gynecology

Obstetrics and gynecology (OB GYN) is a specialized field of medicine that pertains to women's health and pregnancy. Gynecologists are trained to care for a woman's reproductive system, and obstetrics is more specifically for women who are pregnant. OB GYN doctors attend a medical school, then explore training in gynecology or obstetrics specialties.

To be a gynecologist or obstetrician, you should start by electing a premed program in college that gives you the math and science background you need to attend med school. To work in this field, you must undergo obstetrics and gynecology education and training, including:

1. Medical schools that train you to work as a doctor.

2. Residency programs that offer a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology.

3. Continuing education opportunities offered by professional organizations.

 

Enroll in med school to begin obstetricians and gynecologists training

To work as an obstetrician or gynecologist, you must attend medical school. There are many excellent medical schools throughout the United States that train students to be doctors. Any med student will intern at hospitals and clinics to get hands-on patient experience.
Try: OBGYN has an article on what you need to do to become an OB GYN, from high school to medical school and continuing education opportunities. Harvard Medical School is one of the top-rated medical schools in the country and offers many choices for students. You can get traditional medical training, or train to become a research physician.

Choose an OB GYN residency program to continue your education

Once a you graduate from medical school and are a licensed doctor, it's time to move on to the next step. Most doctors participate in a five or seven year residency program that helps them hone their skill in a specialty. There is a specialty for all systems of the body, plus oncology and surgery, to name a few. This is where an OB GYN doctors will begin specialized training in their field.
Try: The University of Southern California has an OB GYN residency program that provides clinical training through its network of hospitals and medical centers. Duke University offers a comprehensive four-year residency program that teaches students how to perform gynecological exams and gynecological and obstetric surgery, and develop patient interaction skills.

Get continuing education and training in obstetrics and gynecology

Continuing education is essential for many professionals, but is especially important for doctors in specialized fields. Continuing education helps you earn continuing education credits, which count toward licensing recertification and help fulfill residency program requirements.
Try: Symposia Medicus is a nonprofit organization that provides many professional conferences for OB GYNs and doctors in other specialties throughout the year. Omnia Education is a continuing education resource specifically for those who work in women's health.

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