How to Become An Obstetrician In South Africa

An obstetrician is a doctor who specializes in pregnancy, childbirth, and a woman’s reproductive system.

What qualifications are needed for obstetrician?

Before you train as an obstetrician and gynecologist you must complete a degree in medicine and have obtained a MBBS or equivalent qualification. Find out about getting into medical school. You then need to complete a two-year foundation programme.

Is Gynaecology a hard course?

Gynecology is one of the most demanding career in the field of medicine. Medical career in this specialization is basically opted by women as it deals with the female reproductive system. But, this is also the good profession for male candidates.

Do medical students get paid in South Africa?

During the student’s internship and community service training, the National Department of Health of South Africa will employ the student, and the student will receive a salary.

Obstetrician Career Requirements

Degree LevelDoctorate
Degree FieldMedicine
Experience4 years of residency training
Licensure and CertificationA state-issued license is required and voluntary certification is available
Key SkillsStrong verbal and written communication skills, empathy, leadership skills, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, organization skills; ability to use calendar and scheduling equipment, medical software, and electrosurgical tools; knowledge of human anatomy, conditions and treatments related to obstetrics
Salary (2020)R 3482571.65per year (median salary for obstetricians/gynecologists)

Below are steps to Become An Obstetrician In South Africa

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program

While there is no required major for entrance into medical school, the BLS states that most aspiring doctors earn bachelor’s degrees in science disciplines. Some schools integrate premed studies into a student’s chosen major to fulfill both degree requirements and medical school prerequisites.

Some colleges and universities combine bachelor’s and Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree programs into 6- or 7-year curricula instead of the usual 4+4 years of separate study. It is possible in some schools to get a bachelor of obstetrics and gynecology, though this is not required; any degree that prepares students for the MCAT is acceptable.

Success Tip

Participate in a job shadow. According to the AAMC, aspiring obstetricians can benefit from participating in job shadows. Students can arrange to shadow a licensed obstetrician, which provides the ability to ask questions and learn more about the career first-hand.

Step 2: Pass the MCAT

Aspiring obstetricians are required to take and pass the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) in order to gain entrance into medical school.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), most students take the MCAT exam in the spring or summer after their junior year of study in a bachelor’s program. MCAT scores are typically used by admissions boards when deciding to accept an applicant into a medical school program.

Step 3: Attend Medical School

After earning a bachelor’s degree, students must attend a medical school for four years to earn an M.D. During the first two years of medical school, students usually take lecture courses in anatomy, laboratory science, and general health care procedures.

During the final two years, students gain practical experience examining patients during clinical rotations at local or affiliated hospitals and clinics.

Step 4: Obtain a Medical License

Medical school graduates qualify to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). All states require doctors who intend to enter public practice to pass the test and obtain a medical license. Licensure is typically required before entering a residency program.

Step 5: Participate in a Residency

With medical training and licensure requirements met, prospective obstetricians must then participate in a four-year residency program under the direction of one or more licensed obstetricians.

Acceptance into an obstetrics and gynecological residency program is competitive, and most accept only a small number of residents per year.

During their residency, students receive hands-on training in pregnancy monitoring, delivering babies, gynecological procedures, maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, urology, reproductive endocrinology, and infertility.

Step 6: Become Board Certified

In addition to earning a medical license, nearly all employers seek obstetricians with board certification in obstetrics and gynecology. The American Board of Physician Specialties offers board certification to physicians who pass both a written and an oral exam and demonstrate experience in the discipline.

How long does it take to become an obstetrician 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,

How long does it take to become an obstetrician 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.

What qualifications are needed for obstetrician in South Africa ?

Before you train as an obstetrician and gynecologist you must complete a degree in medicine and have obtained a MBBS or equivalent qualification. Find out about getting into medical school. You then need to complete a two-year foundation programme.

Where can I study Obgyn in South Africa?

The department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at University of Pretoria is a large academic department with service-learning sites at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Kalafong Provincial Tertiary Hospital, Tembisa Hospital and Witbank Hospital.

Is Gynaecology a hard course?

Gynecology is one of the most demanding career in the field of medicine. Medical career in this specialization is basically opted by women as it deals with the female reproductive system. But, this is also the good profession for male candidates.

What is a gynecologist salary in South Africa?

ZAR 2,002,774 a year

Salary Recap

The average pay for a Gynecologist is ZAR 2,002,774 a year and ZAR 963 an hour in South Africa. The average salary range for a Gynecologist is between ZAR 1,343,970 and ZAR 2,681,775. On average, a Doctorate Degree is the highest level of education for a Gynecologist.

How much does it cost to study medicine in South Africa ?

How much does medical school cost in South Africa? The cost of tuition can vary quite a lot for medicine in South Africa. The cheapest can be $1850 per year, while the most expensive is around $15,000.

How long does it take to become a gynecologist after 12?

Diploma in Gynaecology & Obstetrics (D. G. O.) – 2 years. Doctor of Medicine (MD) in Gynaecology & Obstetrics – 3 years. Master of Surgery (MS) in Gynaecology & Obstetrics – 3 years.

What do doctors earn in South Africa?

Medical

Occupation2018 salary range
Medical OfficerR780 612 – R1 295 025
DentistR630 171 – R840 942
Medical SpecialistR1 051 368 – R1 744 191
PharmacistR436 359 – R828 507

Which type of doctor gets paid the most in South Africa?

Trauma Surgeon

Trauma surgeons are some of the biggest contributors to society and to the advancement of the medical field. Trauma surgeons are one of the highest paying jobs in South Africa, typically earn around 111,000 ZAR.

How much do medical students get paid in South Africa?

Payment will be made directly to the medical school at the University. Once approved for a bursary, a medical student will be paid R10 000.00 in January and the remaining R10 000 in August as stated above in the Policy.

Do medical students get paid in South Africa?

During the student’s internship and community service training, the National Department of Health of South Africa will employ the student, and the student will receive a salary.

Which university can I study to be a doctor in South Africa?

You can only study medicine in accredited South African Universities. There are nine medical universities in South Africa, including the University of Cape Town, University of Witwatersrand, and Stellenbosch University. How Can I become a medical doctor in South Africa?