How Long Does It Take to Be a Gynecologist
Obstetrician/gynecologists, or OB/GYNs, are doctors who have undergone extensive specialized training in medical care related to pregnancy and the female reproductive system. They prevent, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the reproductive organs, as well as monitor fetal development and deliver babies. Becoming an OB/GYN takes a minimum of 12 years, and involves a combination of formal education and hands-on training. If you're interested in pursuing this career, you'll need to meet OB/GYN certification requirements and get state licensed.
Education Requirements for OB/GYNs
The first step you'll take toward becoming an OB/GYN is to earn an undergraduate degree. There is no required area of study, but many aspiring physicians choose to concentrate their studies in the sciences, pre-medicine or a related field.
Once you've earned a bachelor's degree, the University of Illinois says you'll continue on to medical school. Medical school takes four years to complete, and consists of both classroom instruction and clinical rotations in various medical specialties, including obstetrics and gynecology. Medical school will provide you with a strong foundation of knowledge in general medicine and human anatomy.
OB/GYN Specialty Training Requirements
After graduating from medical school, your specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology will begin. Obstetrics and gynecology residency programs take four years to complete, and are designed to provide you with advanced knowledge in all aspects of female reproductive health. You'll participate in rotations under the supervision of experienced OB/GYNs, and you'll also attend lectures and seminars that cover topics related to prenatal care, reproductive oncology and gynecological surgery.
If you wish to further specialize in your career, you may participate in fellowship programs. Some sub-specialties you could pursue include maternal-fetal medicine, gynecological oncology, gynecological surgery, pediatric gynecology and reproductive endocrinology. A fellowship will take an additional two to three years to complete.
Licensure and OB/GYN Board Certification
All physicians, including OB/GYNs, who plan to practice medicine in the United States must obtain a state-issued license. Requirements vary by state, but typically include possessing a medical degree and passing a licensing examination. The two most common licensing exams are the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination for individuals who hold a doctor of medicine degree, and the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination for people with a doctor of osteopathy degree.
Board certification is offered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. You must show proof that you've completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology and pass a written test and an oral OB/GYN certification exam. If you want to pursue board certification in a sub-specialty, you must show proof that you've completed a fellowship in your chosen concentration, and pass an additional written test and oral exam.
OB/GYN Salary and Outlook
As an OB/GYN, you can find employment in hospitals, medical centers, women's health clinics, private practices and other medical settings. You may also start a practice of your own or partner with another OB/GYN. In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS, predicted that employment for all physicians would grow 4 percent between 2019 and 2029, but employment of OB/GYNs would fall by 1 percent. In 2019, the BLS reported that OB/GYNs earned a mean annual salary of $233,610.
How Long Does It Take to Be a Gynecologist
Source: https://work.chron.com/guide-becoming-obgyn-21983.html
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