How to Become a Perinatologist
Perinatologists, also known as maternal-fetal medicine specialists or high-risk obstetricians, deal with complicated pregnancies. There are many reasons why a woman may be referred to a perinatologist during pregnancy, but they generally fall into four categories: the mother's health (either a pre-existing condition or a pregnancy-induced condition), the fetus's health (such as trisomy), a previous high-risk pregnancy, or a combination of these three.
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Instructions
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Graduate from high school with good grades. Challenge yourself with honors or advanced classes, and take as much math and science as you can.
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Get accepted into a good college. While there, declare your major in Pre-med, or your college or university's equivalent of it, or a related science area. Take and pass the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test). Your MCAT score is essential for getting into medical school, so take the time to prepare for it properly.
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Go to medical school, attending an accredited program for obstetrics and gynecology. This will take four or five years depending on the program, and upon graduation, you will receive an M.D. (medical degree) or D.O. (doctor of osteopathy).
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Complete a residency program in obstetrics/gynecology. Achieve board certification, by passing the written and oral examinations administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG).
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Complete a fellowship program in perinatology, maternal-fetal medicine, or high-risk obstetrics. These fellowships are a minimum of three years.
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Achieve board certification in the ABOG's subspecialty of maternal-fetal medicine.
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Start your career as a perinatologist by joining an existing private practice, starting your own practice, or working for a hospital or medical center. Keep your certifications and licensures up to date throughout your career.
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Tips & Warnings
ABOG certifications are only good for six years. You must recertify every six years.
