Obstetrics & Gynaecology
A Career In Obstetrics & Gynaecology
The most fascinating, versatile and challenging of all specialities! That's obstetrics and gynaecology. It takes you from conception to the cradle and even to the grave. This unique specialty encompasses embryo research, fertility treatment, childbirth, laparoscopy, oncology, palliative care, endocrinology, infectious diseases and family planning.
In obstetrics you have not one but two patients. The fetus has been made a tangible patient with the advent of ultrasonography and fetal therapy. "Personhood" of the fetus and fetal rights versus maternal rights are difficult ethical dilemmas that face us everyday. Childbirth and delivery of a baby however are amazing life events for the family and we, as obstetricians, are privileged to take part in these events.
Gynaecology covers all ages from childhood to old age. There is a move within the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists to separate the speciality into "office" gynaecologists, who will treat medically and perform minor procedures, and "surgical" gynaecologists who will do major surgery and oncology. There is also the opportunity to see and treat early pregnancy emergencies and to counsel those who suffer from recurrent miscarriages. Community gynaecology is another growing subspecialty with increasing capacity.
The advent of the foundation years means that some doctors will have had a "taster" module of women's health. Entry into the specialty will be through competition into the Specialist Training Year-1 (ST1) and progression through a further 5 years to achieve the Certificate of Completion of Training. The first 4 years are core training and then trainees can choose one of the many subspecialties. The potential career paths are numerous and varied and there is something to suit most tastes! At the moment as a specialty we are on recruitment drive to meet the government targets of a consultant-led service.
The hours in training have considerably improved since the European Working Time Directive. However the payback is that it takes a lot longer to accumulate experience. We have a large number of trainees who wish to work flexibly and who go on to do so at consultant level.
On a personal level, I am finding my career in Obstetrics and Gynaecology to be extremely rewarding even if the training has been long, intensive and at times very emotional. I think that is the beauty of my specialty - no one day at work is the same as the next!
For further information and details take a look at the following websites:
> The British Transplant Society
> The Transplant Society
> American Society of Transplant Surgeons
Daghni Singham
Last updated 25/12/06
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