Obstetrics...

[stonewall22]

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I think there are a HUGE number of advantages to FM...I was wondering though, FM that include obstetrics, what kind of case load can they expect? Once in a blue moon, or pretty frequent? Can FM do C-section? Thanks!

 

[smq123]

Can FM do C-section? Thanks!

Generally speaking, FMs who did not do an obstetrics fellowship can't do c-sections, or have trouble getting hospital privileges to do c-sections. If they did an obstetric fellowship, then they can. (This is kind of a sweeping generalization, though, and varies regionally.)

You have to realize, though - obstetrics is VERY expensive, because malpractice is so high. A lot of FMs just choose not to do obstetrics at all because it's not financially logical to do so (or because they just don't like the hours that often go with it).

 

[DonStracci]

There are very few family docs in my area who still do OB... perhaps none at all anymore, as most have stopped because of the malpractice. This could vary in other parts of the country, I guess.

 

[LuckyBambooGirl]

I know some rural docs who still do obstetrics. Two of them even have their malpractice insurance paid for them by the hospital they work for, because the need for docs who can do deliveries and have a shortage of OB's in that area. I plan on doing an obstetrics fellowship after my fam med residency, just because I have fun doing OB. It might be harder to find a job that allows me to practice OB, but I want to live in a rural area anyway.

 

[FM guy in KC]

In the Midwest there are lots of opportunities in rural towns where the hospital pays your malpractice. I also do not believe that an ob fellowship is completely necessary in order to do obstetrics including c-sections. You may need a fellowship to get privileges in cities, but not in smaller towns. If you pick the right FM program you should be able to get the training and #'s to practice obstetrics if that is your desire.