What Do I Need to Become an Obstetrician & Gynecologist?

Obstetricians and gynecologists assist women during labor and childbirth.

Obstetricians and gynecologists prevent, diagnose and treat diseases and conditions of the female reproductive system, including pelvic, urinary or hormonal disorders, and cancers of the breast, ovaries and cervix. Obstetricians and gynecologists also care for women during every stage of their pregnancy, including labor and childbirth. Becoming an ob-gyn requires years of education and training, as well as a valid medical license and board certification.

Bachelor's Degree

Students who wish to become obstetricians and gynecologists will need a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university as a prerequisite to their medical training. Most pre-med students major in chemistry or biology, although this is not required. Students can major in any subject they choose provided they maintain a high GPA and complete specified classes before applying to medical school. Medical school applicants will need to have completed coursework in anatomy, biology, chemistry, biochemistry, physiology, psychology, microbiology and pharmacology, as well as courses in liberal arts and the humanities.

MCAT Scores

Future obstetricians and gynecologists will need to submit Medical School Admissions Test (MCAT) scores with their medical school application packet. Students typically sit for the MCAT exam during their junior year of undergrad; candidates are tested in four main areas: physical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning and writing.

Medical School Degree

After earning their bachelor's degree, students will need to attend medical school to obtain the education and training required to practice as a obstetrician and gynecologist. Admission to medical school is highly competitive; in addition to MCAT scores, students will need to submit transcripts, an admissions essay and letters of recommendation. Some medical schools will also require applicants to sit for an interview with members of the admissions board. Medical school lasts four years; the first two years are spent receiving classroom instruction in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biology, pharmacology, psychology, pathology, microbiology, and laws regarding medicine and medical ethics. The final two years of medical school consist of supervised clinical practice; students rotate through various medical specialties including family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, psychiatry, surgery, and obstetrics and gynecology.

Residency

After graduating with a Medical Doctor (MD) degree, obstetricians and gynecologists are required to spend an additional three to eight years as a hospital resident, depending on the hospital and program regulations. Obstetrician and gynecologist residents observe and treat patients under the supervision of an attending physician for a small salary. Duties will include caring for female patients during pregnancy and childbirth, routine gynecological exams and treating general health problems occurring in the female reproductive system.

License

All medical doctors are required to pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) after their completion of medical school. After completing a residency, obstetricians and gynecologists must also pass the American Board of Medical Specialists (ABMS) examination become board certified in their specialty.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Physicians and Surgeons
• Education-Portal: Become an OBGYN
• DegreeDirectory: OBGYN