Gynocology

The purpose of this research paper is to investigate various areas concerning my

future career, that is to be an obstetrician, also known as an OB/GYN. Some of the topics that will be discussed in my paper are those pertaining to exactly what an obstetrician is and the requirements that are needed in order to become an obstetrition. These requirements will include the pyhsical and phsyschological personality traits of a potential obstetrician. The type of schooling that is nessecary, including the preparation

that is available at Middlesex County College, and the average number of years that it takes in order to become an obstetrician. The demand for obstetricians will also be researched, along with the different promotional ranks that are available. Starting salaries, as well as potential salaries will be explained. The reasons as to why a career in obstetrics appeals to me and the other possible career choices that I may decide to persuade in the future.

An obstetrician is a physician who has successfully completed specialized

education and training in the specialties of pregnancy, delivery, and the care directly following

childbirth. A gynecologist is a physician who has successfully completed training in the health of

the female reproductive system, including the treatments of disorders and diseases. Generally, the training for both an obstetrician and a gynecologist occur at the same time. This is how the term OB/GYN came to be. An OB/GYN is a physician who specializes in both pregnancy and female reproductive care. The medical care that is provided by an OB/GYN can range from annual

pap smears to prenatal care. An OB/GYN can also specialize in a particular area of medicine such as urinary tract disorders, infertility, and preventitive health, to name a few(Women's Health Channel). Typically, the personality traits that are beneficial

to an OB/GYN are patientce, intelligence, compassion, and the ability to communicate well with people. These will help to make the patients feel at ease with their doctor and establish a trusting relationship if they feel that their doctor sinceraly cares about their health and well being. The number of hours that an OB/GYN may vary each week, hence this is not a standard, Monday through Friday, nine to five job. OB/GYNs, who are in practice, can be expected to work as little as fifty hours a week or as many as one-hundred hours a week. This is with Sundays off.However, if the doctor is part of a group practice, the hours will be slightly less than if they were to be practicing solo. Also, since childbirth is can be unpredictable, many OB/GYNs are on call twenty four hours a day, and seven days a week. They can often be reached by cell phones and pagers.

In order to obtain a job in the field of obstetrics, one must first successfully receive

a bachelor's degree, a doctrine, and than be certified by the Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. However, different rules apply to those who have been practicing for a period of time. Gedes Grudzinskas stated that: "If certified in obstetrics and gynecology after 1986, the physician must complete a recertification process every 10 years to maintain certified status. If certified before 1986, the physician can take a voluntary recertification process" (508).

Although medical schools are not solely interested in science majors, it is important that the student take the required courses in order to gain acceptance into medical school upon receiving

a Bachelor's degree. Many pre-med students study vigourously and maintain grade point averages of 3.5 and above. However, due to the many hours that are put into school work, the number of pre-med students drops drastically during the last two years of college in which preparation

for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) begin. The scores on the MCAT will determine if there is any chance of being accepted into medical school despite high GPAs. During these years, students will also begin to apply to medical schools, which is another part of the grueling path on the way to becoming an OB/GYN. Once accepted into medical school, the future OB/GYN takes on anothoer four year, rigorous

work load. During the third year of school, the student rotates throughout the different areas within the medical field and begins an internship. Upon graduation from medical school, the student is now a doctor. After medical school, the new doctor completes a residency for a few years. Once the residency is completed, the doctor can now take the specialty board exam and become "Board Certified." It takes two years after practicing for a doctor to become certified. Once the certification is receive

d, the doctor is now considered to be an OB/GYN. After becoming