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All you need to know about gynaecologists

February 12, 2011 By

Gynaecology is now combined with obstetrics. Consultants who specialise in these fields are known as gynaecologists and obstetricians, and it should be known that it is not only women doctors who work in this area. Obstetrics and gynaecology are concerned with the detection, diagnosis and treatment of conditions and problems that affect the female reproductive system, disease that are specific to women and the care of a pregnant woman and her unborn baby.

What does the role of the gynaecologist involve?

The work of obstetricians and gynaecologists is varied and interesting; in many cases, gynaecologists work in close co-operation with other medical professionals, including urologists, oncologists, cardiologists, renal specialists, endocrinologists and colorectal surgeons.

Work may include surgery (this may include an emergency Caesarean section or a hysterectomy, for example), which takes place in hospital, delivering babies (the obstetrician is usually called if there are complications during labour or childbirth), performing pelvic examinations and talking to female patients about a wide range of issues, which may include fertility, birth control and counselling for women who have had a miscarriage, for example.

Most specialists work in hospitals, but some also work in the community.

Sub-specialities

Most obstetricians and gynaecologists are qualified in general obstetrics and gynaecology but there are a number of sub-specialities, which include:

  • Gynaecologic oncology (this involves the diagnosis and treatment of female cancers)
  • Reproductive medicine
  • Materno-foetal medicine
  • Gynaecological urology
  • Community gynaecology

Becoming a gynaecologist

Many people would assume that women doctors would be more interested in pursuing a career in gynaecology and obstetrics but this is not the case and many male doctors choose to pursue this career path. In order to become an obstetrician or gynaecologist, it is essential to complete further training and pass examinations and assessments after completing a medical degree and completing foundation training years. Obstetrics and gynaecology is a demanding speciality, which involves unpredictable and often long hours; personal qualities and characteristics should include:

  • People and communication skills: specialists are required to communicate with patients and other members of staff all day every day.
  • The ability to make decisions and act under pressure
  • The ability to cope with emotional stress
  • Physical stamina
  • The ability to work with other professionals
  • The ability to sympathise with people and a compassionate, understanding nature.
  • Manual dexterity and practical skills.
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History of women in healthcare

February 12, 2011 By

Historically, medicine has been a profession dominated by males, but over the course of the last century, the number of women pursuing a career in medicine has increased significantly and in the next ten years, women doctors are set to outnumber male doctors for the first time in history.

Until the late 1800’s, all doctors working in the UK were male; however, after campaigns and high profile cases such as that of Dr Elizabeth Garrett-Anderson, an act was finally passed to allow women to train as doctors in 1876. Initially, women doctors were ridiculed by their male counterparts and many found it very difficult to cope with the additional challenge of coping with male colleagues; however, over the course of history, medicine has become a profession for both sexes and there are now more female medical students and doctors than ever before. Gender issues have largely been ironed out and thousands of women are thriving in their role as doctors, surgeons and consultants.

All medical students complete university degree courses and then go on to complete a set period of clinical training and professional development. After this period of training, they may go on to specialise in areas of medicine; there are many different specialities including obstetrics and gynaecology, cardiology, urology, general practice, paediatrics and oncology, to name just a few. It can be difficult to choose a speciality, especially if you find that you enjoy a large range of different specialities and have a deep-seated interest in different areas; most doctors take a combination of factors into account when they choose a speciality.

Many people go for the area they most enjoyed working in during their training, but they may also take practical considerations into account, such as working hours, emotional stress and opportunities for career development. Women doctors who want to have children in the future may gravitate towards a speciality that offers flexible working hours, such as general practice, but this is not always the case.

Women’s health is a very varied field; there are several illnesses, conditions and issues which are specific to women and almost every woman requires the treatment or advice of a specialist in women’s health issues and disorders at some point in their lives.

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