Gynecology specialty without obstetrics?

[Mariko]

Hi I'm a premed (about to start my AMCAS applications in a few months).
I'm very passionate about women's health and I'd like to learn more about ob/gyn as a specialty, particularly after being deeply inspired by my own physician. I volunteer at a general hospital, but I mostly work in the emergency department and I don't have a lot of exposure to ob/gyns... I'm guessing that asking to shadow would be difficult in ob/gyn because patient privacy is so important.

Does anyone have any ideas about how to get more real exposure/learn more about this specialty?

What kind of opportunities are there to work with underserved communities in Ob/Gyn?

Also, is there such a thing as a Gynecology residency or specialty? Or do physicians who practice only gynecology just complete Ob/gyn residencies and board certifications then choose not to make obstetrics a part of their practice?

Thanks for your time!

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[tiredmom]

Hi!
Glad to hear about your interest in ob/gyn. Most ob/gyns don't have a problem with potential students shadowing them to see what the do - they just ask patients for their permission at the beginning of the visit. I encourage you to try to shadow to see what it's really like. It's really the best way to see it, and I've never seen anyone turned down for it.
There are tons of opportunites for underserved populations with ob/gyn. Most inner cities and rural areas still really need ob/gyns.
Those doing only gyn are trained in both ob and gyn, and have chosen to not include ob in their practice. That's usually in older doctors who give up ob after a while of practice, but can be straight out as well, but you still have to be trained in it. Don't rule it out unless you've seen it, it's a lot of fun, and VERY rewarding.
Good luck!

 

[Mariko]

Hi
Thank you so much for your response! I'm excited about the idea of looking for someone to shadow!

I guess the reason why I am more interested the gynecology side of practice is because the idea of being a specialist in women's health and of being able to build long term relationships with women is really appealing to me, but all the publicity surrounding huge malpractice insurance rates, the frequency of lawsuits and the call for ob is very daunting!

But I can definately imagine how rewarding it could be. Perhaps some of the malpractice stuff is just hype? I mean, I always hear these horror stories of Obs forced out of practice due to high overhead from premiums etc etc.

 

[ny skindoc]

The "malpractice stuff" is absolutely not hype.Depending on the state you choose to live and work it will be critical issue for you-research this carefully.Some docs do "womens health" from Family practice ,a much easier road.
This article about several OBs looking to do cosmetic work is interesting.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9503EFD7113EF933A05752C1A9609C8B63