An obstetrician, also known as an OB-GYN, specializes in the care of pregnant women.
An obstetrician is a physician who cares for women during childbirth or in a way that is connected to childbirth. A gynecologist deals with the health care for women. Gynecology and obstetrics are usually combined into one specialty called OB-GYN. If you are interested in becoming an OB-GYN, you'll need a bachelor's degree; four years of medical school; and a minimum of four years in residency, according to Collegeboard.com, a nonprofit membership association that connects students to college opportunities. According to the 2009 Physician Compensation Survey by the American Medical Group Association, Gynecology & Obstetrics earned a median salary of $294,190.
Consultation
A consultation occurs under patient-doctor confidentiality. During a consultation, the doctor carefully listens to the patient discuss her symptoms, according to Collegeboard.com. Compared with other doctors, an OB-GYN must be especially sensitive, since questions pertain to highly personal subject matter, such as women's health, sexuality and reproduction. An OB-GYN discusses what to expect before undergoing procedures, according to the Occupational Information Network (O*Net). She interprets test results and discusses treatments and medication. She advises patients and the public on health.
Monitoring & Recordkeeping
Like other physicians, an OB-GYN keeps reports and medical histories updated. He monitors the patient's condition and progress, according to O*Net. If he is treating a woman during pregnancy, he monitors the pregnancy using ultrasound and other methods.
Obstretical Care
According to O*Net, part of an OB-GYN's job is to care for women during the nine months of pregnancy: prenatal, natal and postnatal periods. She also delivers babies, in both surgical and non-surgical methods. For example, an OB-GYN performs the surgical technique of caesarean sections, also known as C-sections. Like other surgeons, she works under high-stress and conducts emergency procedures necessary to preserve the patient's health and deliver newborns in a safe manner. She leads a team of nurses, anesthesiologists and other health care professionals. She must be a strong decision maker, especially since she can come across high-risk pregnancy complications during labor and delivery.
Gynecological Care
An OB-GYN also specializes in women's reproductive health. He educates patients on birth control options, according to Collegeboard.com. He also screens women for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) through conducting various tests, including pap smears. He diagnoses conditions by analyzing test or examination results, according to O*Net. He treats women with breast cancer, cervical cancer and STDs. He may suggest and administer therapy, drugs or medical care.
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