What is the career path for an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN)?

Next, you are required to pass a U.S. medical licensing exam. Then, you can begin your residency. A residency allows you to work under the supervision of an attending physician.

Finally, you become part of a fellowship program before you can be independent. Often OB/GYN doctors are required to obtain even more specialized training and certification. The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) offers this certification via a written and oral exam. There are other subspecialties that can be obtained as well, such as oncology, endocrinology, fertility, and more.

All of the positions noted are linear in terms of the fact that they are all related to the gynecologic care of an individual, and each can directly affect the function of the other. However, they differ in the fact that specializations in specific areas allow for a doctor to become an expert in a particular area of gynecology.

For example, a gynecologic oncologist is well certified to be a general gynecologist, but they have prepared themselves even further to treat the cancers of the reproductive system. While a fertility specialist is also certified to be a general gynecologist, they are specialized in treating problems that occur with fertility. The fields are all directly related, but also vastly different. A gynecologist can build their potential by getting subspecialty certifications.

Gynecologists can be found working in hospitals, private practices, and clinics. In terms of career outlook, there will always be a need. Women are in constant need of obstetric and gynecologic care.