ob-psych

[earthgirl101]

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I am currently trying to decide between a career in psychiatry or OB/GYN (don't laugh, I see more overlap than most). I am posting this on both the psych and OB/GYN homes, but was wondering if anyone new anyone working on the intersection of these two fields or had any advice on which would be the better primary residency to manage the psychiatric needs of women throughout their pregnancy? (Obviously, if I want to do deliveries then OB-I have no interested in GYN-Surg.)
Thanks for you help!

 

[obgyn06]

Actually -- Emory has a specialized ob psyc department. This area is run by psychiatrists that specialize in obstetrical patients. They really don't do any "ob" at all. It is a heavily research-based field. I think a few other places have it to -- Vanderbilt and NYU come to mind.? not sure though.
I was conflicted for a minute about the same thing -- psyc vs. obgyn. I did a subI with the ob psychiatrists and I quickly decided. Dealing with crazy pregnant women is a tough thing. Plus I wasn't interested in research and all the other areas of psychiatry. It ended up being a tortuous subI.
OB is a field that you should only do if you can't do anything else. It is tough. And when you leave work exhausted you have to know in the back of your mind it was the ONLY thing you could do. If you are in it thinking "i could have done radiology or anesthesia or psyc" it will be PAINFUL and you will probably end up switching anyway.
I love ob/gyn but it is an unfortunate calling. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Llenroc]

I was also going to say that OB/GYN, like General Surgery, is something that you should only do if you just can't see yourself doing anything else. Because otherwise, it's not worth it.

Psychiatrists work about half to two-thirds the hours of OB/GYN's in residency and in practice. It's a much easier lifestyle.