Medical students have always loved Obstetrics and Gynaecology as fields of study. Besides, both are competitive and complex surgical procedures. Furthermore, these specialties concentrate on the two different aspects of the female reproductive system.
Obstetrics handles the care of both the unborn baby and pregnant woman for the successful delivery of the baby without complications. Gynaecology further deals with the pathologies linked with the female reproductive system. In addition, gynecologists may also treat the bowel and urinary system. These organs are close to the reproductive system.
Let’s find why medical students opt for obstetrics and gynaecology. Moreover, we will also check out the employment opportunities in this field.
Choosing the Specialty After Graduation
No special undergraduate requirement is necessary to pursue a successful career in obstetrics and gynaecology. Furthermore, students learn medicine for six to seven years in European medical schools. They further go on to choose any specialty of their interest after that.
In a study done recently, out of 1749 Swiss medical students who participated, 56 percent were interested in obstetrics and gynaecology. According to the study, the four factors behind this are experimental, relational, occupational and scientific. Besides, Swiss students placed obstetrics and gynaecology in between surgery and general practice. In addition, the study portrayed the importance of obstetrics and gynaecology as a future medical specialty among Swiss students.
Obstetrics and Gynaecology in Europe
The European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) are responsible for all postgraduate training sessions, programs, and exams for the incoming students. In addition, trainees are taught according to the Project of Achieving Consensus in Training (PACT) curriculum designed and formulated by the EBCOG. Lastly, Postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology follows a program of nearly five years comprising a core and elective program.
Specialty Training and Fellowship Examinations
It takes over five years to complete specialty training in Europe and attempt the fellowship examinations. In addition, all trainees should complete core modules comprising antenatal care, management of labour and delivery, postpartum problems, and gynaecological problems. Moreover, the exam consists of two parts: computer-based knowledge assessment (Part 1) and objective structured clinical examination (OSCE).
Employment Statistics in Europe
According to stats from the immediate past, in Europe, the top three highest numbers of obstetricians and gynaecologists are found in Germany, Italy and France. Germany has nearly 40% more than the second highest country, Italy. According to certain reports, there is a steady count of nearly 20,000 doctors for these fields in Germany in recent years. Besides, the lowest numbers are in Estonia, Ireland, and Slovenia. Estonia has only 304 and is facing a physician shortage. In addition, specialists such as gynaecologists also have to work as general physicians. Lastly, the country is working on more competitive salaries hoping to attract more doctors.
The count of obstetricians and gynaecologists is increasing in several European territories every year. Moreover, each country shows an average of 10 people choosing these paths annually.
Work Benefits of the Specialty
Those who study in both fields find the job dynamic, exciting, and challenging, pushing them to improve and grow continually. Besides, assisting mothers to bring their babies into the world can be rewarding and heartwarming. In addition, the fields cover an extensive range.
Gynaecologists and obstetricians can focus on many areas from high-risk pregnancies to fertility care. This further facilitates the development of beautiful doctor-patient relationships. Moreover, many mothers continue to seek the services of the same doctors for their second child onwards. In addition, a team is required on most occasions to handle childbirth. Gynaecologists and obstetricians often end up working with many different specialists as a result. Lastly, a lot of opportunities are available to grow and innovate in these fields because of new technology and practices.
Gynaecologists and obstetricians are part of a mother’s most critical moment in life. These doctors often feel their work fulfilling as a result. Lastly, it is an ever-evolving and challenging field that creates a plethora of opportunities.
