A gynecologist is a doctor who specializes in female reproductive health. They diagnose and treat issues related to the female reproductive tract.
What is a gynecologist?
Gynecologists or obstetrician-gynecologists (OB/GYNs) provide medical and health care in women’s health. These medical professionals work with female patients and provide support, education and medical care focused on women’s reproductive and sexual health.
What does a gynecologist do?
A gynecologist’s primary medical focus is evaluating, diagnosing and treating reproductive and sexual health issues for female patients. Gynecologists work with diverse patients whose ages range from adolescence to advanced ages, where they provide medical care and treatment for a range of health conditions.
Education and Training
Gynecologists are physicians who have completed specialized training in the female reproductive system. Like any medical doctor, a gynecologist must complete medical school followed by a residency. In the United States, residency programs and the certification process cover obstetrics and gynecology in combination.
The process involves:
Four years’ worth of medical school
Four years of residency
Successful completion of the Qualifying Exam, a written test
Documented experience in patient care
Successful completion of the Certifying Exam, an oral test
Below are steps to Become A Gynaecologist In South Africa
The following steps outline what you need to do to become a gynecologist:
Earn your undergraduate degree
Before you can earn your medical degree, you must first complete your bachelor’s. Most prospective medical students complete pre-med coursework or focus on subjects like biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology and mathematics.
These focuses can help prepare you for taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), which is a requirement for applying to and enrolling in your medical degree program.
Take and pass the MCAT
The MCAT is necessary for acceptance into medical school. This exam covers four sections that focus on critical analysis and reasoning, biological and biochemical foundations, chemical and physical foundations and biological, psychological and social foundations of behavior. Medical schools look for passing grades on the MCAT and often require exceptional scores for acceptance.
Obtain your medical degree
The first half of your medical degree program focuses on topics in biological systems, immunology and infectious diseases and other core academic coursework.
In the second half of the medical program, students complete clinical rotations, where they work with patients under supervising physicians in different fields of medicine, including gynecology. After completing your medical program, you receive your degree and you’re eligible to attend a residency program.
Obtain your medical license
Depending on your state’s requirements, you may need to take the first part of the United States Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) before you can complete your residency.
Most medical students typically complete this requirement during their medical school program. Graduates of accredited medical schools are eligible to take the USMLE, and many students take part one of the exam during the first half of their medical degree program.
Complete your residency program
In a residency program, prospective gynecologists gain hands-on experience studying concepts and applications in gynecology, obstetrics, emergency medicine and medical ethics.
Many residents perform research studies during their programs, where they collaborate with physicians and health care teams and contribute to innovative studies or research projects.
How many years does it take to be a gynecologist In South Africa?
Obstetricians and gynecologists typically need a bachelor’s degree, a degree from a medical school, which takes 4 years to complete, and, 3 to 7 years in internship and residency programs. Medical schools are highly competitive.
How much does a gynecologist earn in rands?
R128,415 (ZAR)/yr.
Which university can I study gynecology in South Africa?
Obstetrics and Gynaecology from University of Pretoria has grown to be one of the largest health training institutions in the country and boasts an undergraduate student corps of over 6 000.
Is gynecologist a good career?
At present, the gynecology is one of the highest paying job oriented career in medicine. You can be employed in various sectors such as clinics, hospitals, private practice, universities and government agencies, etc. This career option is respectable and lucrative too. You can open your own surgical clinic.
How many marks are required in NEET for gynecologist?
Obstetrics and Gynecology Overview
| Course Name | Obstetrics and Gynecology |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | MBBS with minimum 50% marks in aggregate. |
| Admission Procedure | NEET PG Entrance Exam |
| Average Course Fees | 10 K to 10L |
| Average Starting Salary | 3L to 20L |
How hard is it to become a gynecologist In South Africa?
Well, for one, their education is one of the hardest to go through; four years of medical school are followed by four or six years of residency (which is longer than in many other areas of medicine), says Howe. Because ob-gyns are also surgeons, the curriculum is especially rigorous.
How long does it take to be a Gynaecologist in South Africa?
Theoretical training: 6 years. Student internship: 1 year. Practical work at a hospital: 1 year. Post-graduate study for specialisation as a gynaecologist: MMed or FCP(SA): 4 years – UKZN, UCT, UFS, US.
How much is a Gynaecologist consultation in South Africa?
Costs of a gynaecologist | Health24. The cost for a consultation ranges from R400 – R800.
Is being a gynecologist stressful?
Stress. Like many jobs in the medical field, working as a gynecologist involves some level of stress. Patients and their families rely on you to make accurate, informed decisions and there will be instances when you’ll need to act quickly and knowledgably in emergency medical situations.
Is it weird being a gynecologist In South Africa?
While going to the gynecologist can be an awkward, intimate, or even embarrassing experience for some patients, for the doctors providing care, it’s just another day at the office. And if you want to keep those visits to the doctor to a minimum this year, discover these 100 easy ways to be a healthier woman!