An obstetrician-gynecologist, or OB-GYN, is a physician specializing in the medical and surgical care of women. Their practice covers the full spectrum of female reproductive health throughout a woman’s life, from pregnancy and childbirth to diagnosing and treating conditions of the reproductive system. This field offers the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients, guiding them through significant life stages.
Undergraduate Education and Pre-Med Preparation
The path to becoming an OB-GYN starts with a four-year bachelor’s degree. While medical schools do not require a specific major, many aspiring physicians choose a science-focused field like biology or chemistry. These majors align with the required pre-medical coursework, which includes a year of biology, two years of chemistry, a semester of biochemistry, a year of physics, and English. Some programs also recommend courses in anatomy or physiology.
Maintaining a high grade point average (GPA) is a significant factor in medical school admissions. Practical experience is also needed, including clinical volunteering to gain exposure to patient care and shadowing physicians to understand the specialty’s daily responsibilities.
Participation in research, particularly in women’s health, can strengthen an application. The final preparatory step is the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This standardized exam assesses problem-solving, critical thinking, and scientific knowledge, and a competitive score is needed for a successful application.
Medical School and Licensing Exams
Medical school is a four-year program after a bachelor’s degree to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). Both degrees provide the qualifications to practice as an OB-GYN, with similar training and practice rights. The curriculum is divided into two phases.
The first two years are classroom-based, focusing on foundational sciences like anatomy, physiology, and pathology. The second half consists of two years of clinical rotations, where students work with patients under supervision. Students rotate through specialties like internal medicine, surgery, and pediatrics, including a required clerkship in obstetrics and gynecology that provides hands-on exposure to prenatal care, delivery, and gynecologic surgery.
During medical school and residency, students must pass a series of national licensing exams. MD candidates take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), and DO candidates take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA). These multi-step exams assess the ability to apply medical knowledge to patient care and are required for a medical license.
OB-GYN Residency
After medical school, a physician completes a four-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology to gain specialized expertise. The process of securing a residency position begins during the final year of medical school through an application service.
As of the 2024-2025 cycle, applicants use ResidencyCAS to submit applications and supporting documents to programs. After interviews, both applicants and programs create a rank-order list for the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP). The NRMP uses an algorithm to place applicants into positions, a competitive process culminating on “Match Day” in March.
Residency is a hands-on training period with long hours and significant responsibility. Residents rotate through the full breadth of the specialty, managing high-risk pregnancies, performing gynecologic surgeries, and handling obstetric emergencies. They provide direct patient care in hospital and outpatient settings under the supervision of senior physicians.
Subspecialization and Fellowships
After residency, some OB-GYNs pursue further training in a subspecialty through a fellowship. These programs last two to three years and provide advanced knowledge and skills in a specific area of the field.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)
MFM specialists, also known as perinatologists, manage high-risk pregnancies. They care for patients with pre-existing medical conditions or complications that arise during pregnancy, such as gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)
REI specialists focus on the hormonal functions related to reproduction and address issues of infertility. They diagnose and treat conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and offer advanced reproductive technologies such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
Gynecologic Oncology
This subspecialty involves the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancers affecting the female reproductive organs. Gynecologic oncologists are trained in advanced surgical procedures, as well as chemotherapy and other cancer therapies.
Urogynecology/Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS)
Urogynecologists treat women with pelvic floor disorders, which include conditions like urinary or fecal incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. Their training encompasses a variety of treatments to restore pelvic function and quality of life.
Complex Family Planning
This fellowship focuses on providing contraceptive and abortion care for patients with complex medical conditions. Specialists in this field are experts in managing reproductive health for women who may be at higher risk from pregnancy or certain contraceptive methods.
Board Certification and State Licensure
The final steps to practicing independently are obtaining a state medical license and board certification. A medical license, granted by a state medical board, is a legal requirement to practice. Requirements vary by state but include completing accredited training and passing the national licensing exams.
Board certification is a voluntary process from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) that signifies expertise. It involves a written Qualifying Exam after residency and an oral Certifying Exam after at least a year of practice, which includes a review of the physician’s patient cases. While not legally required, most hospitals and insurance providers require board certification for privileges and network inclusion.
Essential Skills for an OB-GYN
A successful career as an OB-GYN requires specific professional skills. Strong communication and empathy are needed to discuss sensitive topics with patients and build a foundation of trust, especially when guiding them through pregnancy or difficult diagnoses.
The profession is physically and mentally demanding, requiring manual dexterity for surgery and stamina for long hours. An OB-GYN must have strong problem-solving abilities to diagnose complex conditions and adapt treatment plans. The ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure is also needed for handling emergencies during childbirth or surgery.