Employment of obstetricians/gynecologists is expected to grow faster than average through 2018.
Obstetricians and gynecologists are medical doctors who specialize in women's health. They provide general care as well as pregnancy-related services. They diagnose and treat conditions related to the female anatomy such as breast and cervical cancer, pelvic disorders and hormonal conditions. Obstetricians and gynecologists are highly educated professionals. They train for years and develop very specialized skills.
Skills and Abilities
According to the Occupational Information Network, active listening skills are necessary to fully understand the symptoms, ailments and concerns of patients. Obstetricians and gynecologists must be highly sensitive to the needs of patients and have significant critical thinking and problem solving skills. Obstetricians and gynecologists are very service oriented, meaning they are genuinely interested in helping people. They also possess inductive and deductive reasoning skills to properly analyze patient information even if the patient does not provide the entire story.
Education
The field of obstetrics and gynecology requires several years of schooling, starting with an undergraduate education. Premedical undergraduate coursework has a strong emphasis in math, physics, biology, organic and inorganic chemistry and biology, reports the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Prospective obstetricians and gynecologists possess strong math and science skills or at least the scholastic aptitude to develop those skills over time. Beyond undergraduate school, obstetricians and gynecologist attend four years of medical school where a medical degree is earned. Then they attend an internship and residency in an obstetrics and gynecology program. The internship and residency typically lasts three to eight years. Prospective obstetricians and gynecologists must be flexible and self-motivated to survive the demands of school and medical practice.
Certification
Many obstetricians and gynecologists focus on specific sub-specialties. Certification is necessary to practice medicine in various gynecological specialties. Obstetricians and gynecologists may become certified in critical care medicine, oncology, hospice medicine, maternal and fetal medicine and reproductive endocrinology through the American Board of Medical Specialties. They have the skills and professional competence to study for certification exams and endure several months and years of specialty training.
Advancement
Obstetricians and gynecologists have the willingness to learn and grow throughout their careers. Medical and technological advancements require obstetricians and gynecologists to continue their education on an ongoing basis. According to the BLS, many obstetricians and gynecologists start their own practice. This requires business management skills. They manage employees, payroll and financial accounts while maintaining quality patient relationships. Many obstetrician and gynecologists hire office managers to take care of basic office functions.
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