The positives about OB/Gyn

[Pembleton]

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So far I am enjoying my ob/gyn clerkship. I've mostly done L&D stuff, with a smattering of GYN surgery. I really enjoy the things people typically like about the field (mixture of med/surg, childbirth, etc.). However, the negatives weigh heavily on me. Many of the older OBs I encounter have a grim view of the field (malpractice fees and declining reimbursement, etc.). I am also a father and I would like to choose a field that would allow me to be available for my family.

I am open to the field but the negatives give me pause. Furthermore, it's hard to find anyone to speak about the positive aspects of the field, beyond the subjective feelings that make you feel good inside. I know the work is hard and time-intensive. So, can anyone help a brother out and list the cold-hard facts about why OB is a good field for the future?

 

[RGMSU]

The malpractice fee question is only dealt with by moving to states where malpractice rates are lower or, better yet, where there is a cap on medical malpractice awards. I wouldn't refuse a field based on declining reimbursement, because who knows what's going to happen with reimbursement in any field with the healthcare debacle going on? Sounds like you have thought it through pretty well. Wanting to be available for your family is a big one on OB. I think you have heard the positives and negatives honestly. You just have to decide whether the positives outweigh the negatives for you. It is a good field for the future because there will always be pregnancies/childbirths/gynecologic problems, and the risk is high enough that many cases won't be handled by anybody but an OBGYN. So, there will always be plenty of work. I hate to throw another negative in, but being a male in OBGYN can be a challenge too. I have considered OBGYN, but like you say, I have some reservations about it.

 

[residencycoord]

I cannot respond to the malpractice issues or family issues, but I do want to comment about being a male in OBGYN. This is not an issue! I don't know how many times this can be said. There are plenty of females who want to go to males. Do not let this be a reason for you not to consider the field.

 

[DeaconMD04]

duplicate post

 

[DeaconMD04]

I'd also like to weigh in on the male in OB statement. I'm almost 4 months into intern year and have only had a patient ask for a female twice. And it is no big deal, plenty of other patients to take care of. 1/2 of the attendings are all male, and do very well. Do more women prefer women these days? Yes. Is it enough of a difference to matter? I don't think so. And it's pretty nice being a male in a female dominated field. You stand out, no one forgets your name, and the nurses are actually nicer to you.

Also, ob-gyn can be tough, but if it is the field that you want to go into, then absolutely go for it. I'm working hard, but also loving it. Having picked a program with residents that get along, have fun, and are generally happy has a lot to do with that. I went into obgyn mostly for the OB. While that was amazing (120 deliveries in 7 weeks), I've really enjoyed the gyn as well. There is a lot of surgery to be had, major and minor cases. Every day I get to do a variety of procedures and work with new attendings.

You will be sleep deprived to varying degrees in all fields. Being happy along the way makes all the difference.