Career Guidance

Gynecology

Gynecology known as the science of women is a career serving the health of women of all ages.

Gynecologists specialize in the branch of medical science concerned with the health related issues of female organs and reproductive system. As professionals, Gynecologists focus on women's health, serve as a primary physician for women and as a consultant to other physicians. They are trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in the reproductive system. Gynecologists play an important role in pregnancy, sexual health, and the treatment of serious reproductive problems such as infertility or reproductive cancers.

The job of a Gynecologist is to identify the disease and issues related to female genital, urinary and rectal organs, converse with the patient and provide correct medical aid, hygiene regime or surgery if required, in order to correct the disorder or remove the diseased organ. They diagnose illnesses and infections, conduct annual/periodical exams, prescribe medications, counsel patients on fertility options and birth control methods and treat hormonal and reproductive issues. This field requires lots of dedication, devotion, detailed and accurate medical knowledge along with years of experience.

Although Gynecology and Obstetrics are related fields of study, both are diverse streams. Obstetrician are the physicians who specialize in caring for the pregnant women all through the process of childbirth. Gynecologists on the other hand, are the physicians who mainly treat the disorders related to female reproductive system which consists of organs like vagina, uterus and ovaries. Many physicians specialize in both and so, these two profiles are often clubbed together to say many gynecologists are also obstetricians. Obstetrician/Gynecologists are commonly referred to as OB/GYN. They may further specialize in fields like adolescent gynecology, behavioral problems, cancers of the female organs, endocrinology, health maintenance during pregnancy, infertility, operative gynecology, pregnancy and delivery, and urinary tract disorders.

Educational

In order to become a Gynecologist, candidates have to pursue post graduate courses such as MD (Doctor of Medicine) / MS (Master of Surgery) / DNB (Diplomate of Medicine) or a Diploma course in Gynecology (DGO).

Aspirants who have completed the 4 1/2 years MBBS program and the one-year internship subsequently can pursue postgraduate programs in Gynecology. Post Graduate Programmes (MD / MS / DNB) is usually of 3 years duration. Diploma in Gynecology( DGO )course is of 2 years duration. The MD/ MS degrees are offered by the Universities affiliated to the Medical Council Of India and the DNB degree is awarded by the National Board of Examination, an independent autonomous body under the Ministry of Health, India.

Selection for Post Graduate program is through Entrance Examination. In the case of private medical colleges entrance examinations are conducted by the institutes individually.

Those with Post Graduation (MD or MS or DNB) can further opt for super/sub-specialisation in their area of interest by opting for courses called DM or DNB (Doctorate of Medicine), or MCh or DNB (Master of Chirurgery/ Surgery) again of 3 years duration. Sub specialties in Gynecology include Gynecologic oncology, Urogynecology, maternal and fetal medicine, Reproductive endocrinology and infertility. In India, there is no MCh course in Gynecology.

Personal attributes

Gynecologist must be compassionate and patient in order to establish a rapport with her patients. Must pay close attention to even the smallest details of the patient's problem. OB/GYN must be polite, enthusiastic and should have a pleasant personality. They must have excellent communication skills and can get along with people well and instill confidence. Must have very strong ethics, service mentality, self-motivated and able to make decisions quickly. Apart from all these qualities Gynecologist must have good memory and recollection ability. A gynecologist is also expected to possess a strong sense of responsibility as the patient's life depends entirely on him.

Job Prospects & Career Options

It is one of the lucrative and at the same time respectable career option for science students. Job prospects are expected to be very good especially for gynecologists with extensive experience and specializations as they plays a very important role in woman’s life. Gynecologists examine and treat many different issues related to the female reproductive system such as gynecological diseases, pregnancy, and fertility. They deal with many different conditions such as cancer, amenorrhea, urine incontinence, and prolapse of pelvic organs. Gynecologists also provide a variety of procedures such as pap smears, biopsies, hysterectomies, tubal ligations, and oophorectomy

OB/GYN can specialise in various sub specialties like Gynecologic oncology, Urogynecology, maternal and fetal medicine, Reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Gynecologic oncology, which deals with gynecologic cancer, treats and diagnoses cancer in the reproductive system. Maternal and fetal medicine, deals with pregnancy complications. Gynecologists in this field know how to treat and diagnose pregnancy complications before and after birth. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility focus on treating infertility disorders. Urogynecology is a surgical subspecialty that focuses on surgical treatments that correct female urinary tract disorders.

These physicians can get jobs in Government or private hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals run by defense etc. Those who have interest in teaching can work as Gynecology lecturers in medical schools or institutes. In this case, Candidates with Diploma (DGO) may have to put in another two years for getting their MD or MS or DNB to take up the teaching option, as Colleges/ institutes does not prefer to hire DGO's. One can opt for self-employment and start a clinic. One can also pursue research after completing postgraduate degree in any specialized branch of gynecology. At the same time, the field is gratifying in the sense that you assist in bringing a new life into the world.There are immense challenges in this field. The working time can be very hectic, they must be on call even at mid night in case of emergencies and may require to work for long hours. A gynecologist needs to be very careful during the treatment procedures, as when dealing with pregnant women, one deals with two lives.

Institutes

Click on the course name for details of Indian Institutes :

» Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (DGO)

» DNB in Obstetrics and Gynaecology

» MD Obstetrics and Gynaecology

» MS Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Useful Contacts

The Federation of Obstetric and Gynecological Societies of India ( FOGSI)

Secretary General,

Model Residency, 605, Bapurao Jagtap Marg,

Jacob Circle, Mahalaxmi East, Mumbai 400 011, India

Phone:91 22 32954564 / 23021648 / 23021654 / 23021343