Want to know How to become a Gynecologist ? Well you have landed on the right article.
Presently, Gynecology is one of the most demanding careers in the medical field. Women mostly opt for a medical career in this specialization as it deals with the female reproductive system.
Gynecology means studying the female body, and the doctor specializing in gynecology is named Gynecologist. The role of a gynecologist is not only to deal with women's health but also to guide them about fertility and pregnancy.
Most women prefer women gynecologists, though with changing times, men are also choosing this career as surgeons helping women in delivery during childbirth.
If you are interested in studying women’s health, then there is no better profession than gynecology. But if you want to foray into this profession, you must stay dedicated and work hard.
Becoming a gynecologist begins immediately after completing 10+2 (from the science stream). Gynecology is the PG education and posts getting a degree in gynecology, the students have to enroll in a master's.
All the steps to becoming a gynecologist are discussed in this blog.
Who is a gynecologist?
Gynecologists or obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are responsible for providing medical and health care to women.
The main focus of gynecologists is evaluating, diagnosing, and treating reproductive and sexual health concerns among women.
In addition, these medical professionals educate female patients about women's reproductive and sexual health.
Therefore, Gynecologists are highly specified in this sector. They provide women's reproductive health care knowledge focusing on all the health care and issues related to birth and pregnancy.
How to become a gynecologist in india
The following steps outline if you want to know how to become a Gynecologist after 12th:
- Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
To become a gynecologist, the candidates must first get a Bachelor's Degree by taking admission in a pre-medical program course at any medical college or university.
The candidates appearing for the NEET exam in India to get MBBS UG admission are provided with renowned medical colleges in India.
They can choose their preferences according to the marks secured. Also, while studying a bachelor’s course abroad, candidates have to appear in various entrance exams to get selected for the course.
Therefore, getting proper training from medical school is a prerequisite to becoming a gynecologist. - Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
Candidates must take the MCAT or Medical College Admission Test to be selected for medical school.
It is a 7.5-hour standardized test with a multiple-choice exam included to assess the candidate’s knowledge of science, reasoning, communication, and writing skills.
The candidates can get all details regarding the MCAT registration process and their test scores on the MCAT website.
If they are not satisfied with their performance on the MCAT; they can retake the exam. Many medical schools consider candidates’ average scores, while many consider the most recent score. - Earn a Medical Degree (4 Years)
Now the next step is to pursue a master's in this medical field.
The candidates planning to become gynecologists have two program choices in medical school including a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program.
Each degree focuses on the various ways of treatment, but while pursuing a DO degree, the candidates are also taught about osteopathic manipulative medicine.
The course duration of a master’s course varies from 4-5 years in a medical school. Some concepts taught during the initial years include basic pathology, anatomy biology, immunology, reproductive system, etc.
During the second two years, the students will complete their clinical rotations. They will work with patients under the guidance of a licensed physician like obstetrics and gynecology. - Complete a Residency (4 Years)
After completing the master’s from a medical school, the students must complete a 4-year OBGYN residency.
During this time, they will be guided by other healthcare professionals and will be trained to enhance their skills and confidence level and to work as an independent gynecologists in the future.
At the time of residency, the students will work in a clinic or hospital setting to get practical experience from what they learned in their college.
During residency, the students will be educated about preventive and primary care, patient diagnosis, and surgical procedures.
As resident OBGYNs, the students get more roles and responsibilities until they can fulfill all their duties independently.
The students are expected to respond to unexpected emergencies like birth cases, accidents, etc.
Earn the Required License & Certification
Once the students have completed their residency and study of gynecologist , they should apply for their medical license and board certification. If you have graduated from an MD program, you can take the U.S. Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE).
However, if you have graduated from a DO program, you can take the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX-USA).
Passing two board exams is mandatory for certification through the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), including the basic written and oral exams.
The first exam is a lengthy written exam and can be immediately taken post-residency. The students must practice in women's health care for some time before sitting for an oral exam.
The students can also consider taking a fellowship and certification in a subspecialty, such as maternal-fetal medicine or gynecologic oncology.
College to Study Gynecology
The students planning to study medicine and become gynecologists are advised to work harder to get selected for a government-recognized college.
The list of top medical colleges in India includes:
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi
- Christian Medical College
- King George's Medical University, Lucknow
- Institute of Medical Sciences Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
- Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Puducherry
- Kasturba Medical College, Manipal
- University College of Medical Sciences, University of Delhi, Delhi
Conclusion
Gynecologists are an asset to society, they are valuable health care providers who care for women’s health.
To enter this career, gynecologists have to complete extensive education and training and all other requirements that let them fulfill their dreams of becoming a gynecologist.
In this article, we have discussed who gynecologists are and how to become a gynecologist. To be a part of this noble profession, stay dedicated and work hard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many years does it take to become a gynecologist?
The required education to becoming a gynecologist can take students anywhere between 10-12 years, based on their area of specialization.
For instance, first students have to get a Bachelor's Degree, then pursue a master’s course, then complete a residency program before getting the required license & certification to begin their medical practice.
2. Is MBBS necessary for gynecologists?
To be admitted to the MD/MS program, the candidates must complete their MBBS (5-year) course. After that have to do an internship after completing the MBBS course.
To become a gynecologist, one just not only requires an MBBS, but MD, and even residency is mandatory to start and practice as a gynecologist.
3. Is gynecology a good career?
Presently, gynecology is one of the most rewarding careers in medicine. The gynecologist can get employed in various sectors like clinics, hospitals, private practice, universities, government agencies, etc. The career option is also respectable and attractive.