Genetics and OB/GYN

[meowmeowmeow]

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Hello fellows!
I was wondering how much knowledge of genetics is needed to become an ob/gyn......I am a first year student and not liking genetics and really interested in ob/gyn......I am not looking for high end residency program or looking into MFM or anything like that but just simple ob/gyn that you normally see......Do I have to be stuck with it all my life or I can refer them to a doc that has more knowledge of genetics in me or who has some specialization when it comes to complicated pregnancies?

Thanks a lotttttttttttt

 

[Kfire326]

Hello fellows!
I was wondering how much knowledge of genetics is needed to become an ob/gyn......I am a first year student and not liking genetics and really interested in ob/gyn......I am not looking for high end residency program or looking into MFM or anything like that but just simple ob/gyn that you normally see......Do I have to be stuck with it all my life or I can refer them to a doc that has more knowledge of genetics in me or who has some specialization when it comes to complicated pregnancies?

Thanks a lotttttttttttt

Patients get referred to genetics counselors regularly at the hospitals I've done OB at. You'd have to know inheritance patterns (like autosomal dominant, x-recessive, etc) of more common conditions to counsel patients at least on chances of their children being carriers vs. affected, etc. The doctors I've worked with leave most of the explaining of the disease to the genetics counselors. A lot of times patients will know a good deal already, like about cystic fibrosis, sickle cell, or thrombophilias etc from personal or family experience.

 

[Global Disrobal]

As mentioned above, basic knowledge will be more than enough.

For OB: you will also need to brush up on some common topics from time to time (i.e. CF testing, Jewish panel) as they will come up during routine prenatal visit discussions.

For GYN: you'll need knowledge of some relevant genetic information (i.e. BRCA mutations) so that you can make the appropriate referrals or management decisions.

Overall though, I wouldn't let the genetics class turn you away from OB. You'll also realize that the topic matter is much more easier to understand once you begin using it in real life situations (patients) than the text book.

Best of luck!

 

[meowmeowmeow]

Thanks everyone! That was helpful 🙂