An OBGYN is a combination of two medical specialties that almost always
go hand in hand. The label signifies that the doctor is both an
obstetrician and a gynecologist and can serve both functions in his
practice. If you’re curious, read on.
An OBGYN is a combination of two medical specialties that almost always
go hand in hand. The label signifies that the doctor is both an
obstetrician and a gynecologist and can serve both functions in his
practice. In terms of the layman’s experience, this doctor is typically
who a woman will see when she learns she is pregnant or suspects that
she might be. In many cases, the doctor will then continue to see the
patient throughout her pregnancy and may even be the one to deliver the
baby when the time is due.
In order to understand the OBGYN, it is important to break down the name
and realize what each portion means. An obstetrician is a doctor who is
concerned with everything to do with pregnancy. He is trained and
educated in the steps to take to ensure a healthy baby and a healthy
mother throughout the term. A gynecologist is a trained expert in the
female reproductive system and is often called upon for appointments
having nothing to do with pregnancy. Many women see a gynecologist on a
regular basis simply for checkup purposes.
An OBGYN must complete a regular education path to become a medical
doctor in the United States. Following their education they must
complete a residency program which usually lasts approximately four
additional years. The requirements for a practicing OBGYN in the United
States are determined by the American Board of Obstetrics and
Gynecology.
An Obstetrician may choose to go into one of the subspecialty fields.
These include gynecological oncology, urogynecology, reproductive
endocrinology, and maternal medicine. Further education to specialize in
one of these fields may or may not be required. In order to get
certified, however, the doctor must take a separate exam for the
specialty in question.
If you are pregnant or are thinking of becoming pregnant, you should
schedule an appointment with a certified Obstetrician in your area as
soon as possible. They will be able to answer any questions you might
have and can take you through the pregnancy process. For first timers,
pregnancy can be an exciting, though frightening, occasion. Having a
doctor on hand (and on call) that you can trust makes all the
difference. If you aren’t sure how to find the right doctor, you might
start by perusing some online reviews and see what others are saying
about the doctors in your locale. You can then use this information to
narrow down your choices.
When needing an OBGYN
Chicago women know that they need a great doctor who they can
feel comfortable with. To find a professional like this they go to:
http://www.angieslist.com/.
