The ob-gyn specialty encompasses two broad areas: the medical care of pregnant women (obstetrics) and the health of a woman’s reproductive organs and genital tract (gynecology). Although the field of obstetrics and gynecology is often considered one, many OB/GYN doctors choose to specialize in either gynecology or obstetrics. The choice depends on the doctor’s interests, needs and experience. A good ob-gyn will be well-versed in the medical and surgical aspects of both fields.
Medical school training for ob-gyns includes 11-14 years of academic study and clinical practice. The first 7-9 years are dedicated to general medical education and training. During this time, future ob-gyns also learn about the reproductive organs and female hormones. They also receive in-depth instruction in a variety of areas including human genetics, ultrasound, family planning, reproductive endocrinology and gynecologic surgery.
After graduating from medical school, ob-gyns complete residency-training programs devoted to the care of women at all stages of life. They must become proficient in the diagnosis and treatment of all gynecologic problems and also in the medical and surgical management of pregnancy. Residency programs typically offer rotations in a number of specialties that include maternal-fetal medicine, infertility and gynecologic oncology.
While the gynecologic specialty has been around for centuries, obstetrics as a separate discipline developed along different paths. European physicians began attending on normal deliveries of royal and aristocratic families in the 17th century, and by the 19th century, major advances in the medical care of pregnancy were made. These included Joseph Granville’s vulsellum forceps, the introduction of anesthesia for delivery and Ignaz Semmelweis’ introduction of antiseptic practices in the birthing room.신논현산부인과
In addition to general gynecologic and obstetric services, ob-gyns also provide preventive care. Many girls in the United States begin seeing ob-gyns for routine “well-woman” care as early as pre-teens or teenagers. These visits are important for maintaining the proper function and health of a girl’s vagina, uterus and fallopian tubes. During these visits, ob-gyns perform screenings that include mammograms, Pap smears and clinical breast exams.
Maternal-fetal medicine is a subspecialty of obstetrics that deals with the medical and surgical management of high-risk pregnancies and fetuses. This includes the diagnosis and management of complications such as ectopic pregnancies, problems with the placenta, and high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia). In some cases, ob-gyns who focus on this area will also train in critical care medicine to manage patients in intensive care units.
Gynecologists can also earn board certification in a variety of subspecialties. Some ob-gyns seek additional qualifications in areas such as complex family planning, complex sexual dysfunction and cervical cancer screening.강남역산부인과To obtain a board-certified diploma from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a physician must successfully complete all required components of the examination. The ob-gyn must also maintain active hospital privileges in a facility that recognizes the board’s credentials. To find a qualified ob-gyn, you can ask your primary care doctor or visit the website of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.