By: Amy Liao
Before proceeding with this article, the workplace of a gynecologist can vary in different locations. Some are self-employed in their own clinic, some are employed by hospitals, some are researchers, and others are professors at colleges and universities. Wherever a gynecologist specializes, either medically or educationally, they are in high demand globally; however, for the purpose of diving into a specified area, this article will outline medical gynecologists (ie. clinic or hospital).
When it comes to the health of women, a separate doctor— called a gynecologist— handles and specializes in this area. While a general physician may be able to offer basic information, gynecologists are the experts when it comes to giving opinions and advice.
A gynecologist is a doctor that specializes in the female reproductive system. They perform a variety of exams regarding the health of a woman. Performing pap smears, STD tests, and breast exams are just the few things gynecologists do everyday. Gynecologists also monitor the health conditions of their patient because it could impact the reproductive organs. For example, nerves of the female sexual organs can be affected by diabetes. Moreover, they diagnose polycystic ovarian syndrome and cervical cancer. “Tube tying” is one of the minor surgeries gynecologists perform on the women’s reproductive organs.
In addition, it is important to mention that most gynecologists are certified obstetricians. As a result, they can specialize in both pregnancy and childbirth.
The workplace of a gynecologist is intimate. To give advice on a patient’s reproductive organs, and to perform tests on sexual areas requires a trusted relationship. Different people react differently, therefore a gynecologist must be patient when building a relationship as not all trusted relationships are quick to establish. Moreover, the environment is also intense. They work long irregular hours, monitoring the health of their patient. In situations where the gynecologist is also a certified obstetrician, the hours become even more extreme. A woman can go into labour at any given period of time from early mornings to late nights, therefore their gynecologist must be able to act quickly and get to the hospital fast.
To be a gynecologist, you must start with earning a bachelor’s degree. While most majors still get accepted, medical schools tend to look for those with a science degree such as biology or chemistry. After earning a bachelor’s degree, you take the MCAT. For those familiar with the process of medical school, the MCAT is well known. The Medical College Admission Test is an exam required to enter any medical school. The questions are designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and your knowledge on physical and biological sciences. This exam is your ticket into medical school, as most schools require you to submit your MCAT score. Then, you get into the medical program to earn your medical degree. The program typically lasts for four years. The first two years are dedicated to students taking courses, including immunology, cells, tissues, infectious diseases, and the reproductive system. The last two years are dedicated to clinic rotations and to work with patients under the supervision of a licensed physician. After this, doctors are to complete their residency. Completing a residency gives doctors a chance to dive deeper into their specialization. Gynecologists are able to get hands-on experiences in obstetrics, gynecology, and emergency medicine. Next, you obtain a license. Being a medical doctor requires you to have a license; you can get your license by submitting proof of education and training, and other requirements that may be needed in your particular field of study. Lastly, you must continue to learn. The medical field is always changing, and there are still a variety of different factors that affect the human body system that doctors are still trying to understand. So even after studying for a long period of time, education does not stop after obtaining your license.
Being a gynecologist is intense and the educational path leading towards it can be long, but it is a rewarding profession in the long run. It is a profession that could build trusted relationships, a profession to help young girls and women, and a profession to help bring a child onto the face of the earth. Gynecology is a respected profession and it is definitely a career path worth looking into.