An Obstetrician-Gynecologist (OB/GYN) is a medical doctor specializing in women’s health. The acronym combines the distinct yet overlapping disciplines of obstetrics and gynecology. These physicians provide comprehensive medical and surgical care across a woman’s lifespan, from adolescence through postmenopausal years. Their rigorous education and specialized scope confirm their status as medical doctors and specialists.
Medical Degree and Status
The journey to becoming an OB/GYN begins with earning a foundational medical degree, establishing them as fully licensed physicians. Candidates must graduate from an accredited medical school, earning either a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. This initial phase of medical education typically spans four years and covers human anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical medicine. Graduates must successfully pass standardized national licensing examinations, such as the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), to be eligible for residency training. Completion of medical school and subsequent licensing grants them the legal and professional status of a doctor, regardless of the specialty they pursue next.
Specialized Residency and Certification
After medical school, the path requires a minimum of four years of accredited, clinically-oriented residency training in obstetrics and gynecology. This intensive program, approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), focuses on the medical and surgical management of women’s health issues. Residents gain deep experience in areas such as labor and delivery, complex gynecologic surgery, ambulatory care, and reproductive endocrinology. Following the four-year residency, the physician pursues board certification to be recognized as a specialist. This involves a thorough application process and the successful completion of both a qualifying written examination and a rigorous certifying oral examination administered by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). Achieving board certification signifies that the physician has attained a high level of expertise and proficiency in the specialty.
Scope of Practice
The combined nature of the specialty means an OB/GYN handles two distinct yet interconnected areas of medicine.
Obstetrics
Obstetrics focuses entirely on the management of pregnancy, childbirth, and the period immediately following delivery, known as the puerperium. This includes providing regular prenatal care and monitoring fetal development using diagnostic tools like ultrasound. Obstetricians manage high-risk conditions such as preeclampsia or gestational diabetes, and perform procedures like Cesarean sections.
Gynecology
Gynecology concentrates on the health of the female reproductive system outside of pregnancy. This involves preventive care, such as performing routine pelvic examinations and Pap tests for cervical cancer screening. Gynecologists diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions, including uterine fibroids, endometriosis, ovarian cysts, and abnormal uterine bleeding. These specialists also manage infertility issues, provide family planning and contraception counseling, and perform complex surgical procedures like hysterectomies and myomectomies.