Gynecology

Introduction:

Gynaecology known as the science of women is a career serving the health of women of all ages.

Gynaecologists specialise in the branch of medical science concerned with the health related issues of female organs and reproductive system. As professionals, Gynaecologists focus on women's health, serve as a primary physician for women and as a consultant to other physicians. They are trained to diagnose and treat diseases and disorders in the reproductive system. Gynaecologists play an important role in pregnancy, sexual health, and the treatment of serious reproductive problems such as infertility or reproductive cancers.

The job of a Gynaecologist is to identify the disease and issues related to female genital, urinary and rectal organs, converse with the patient and provide correct medical aid, hygiene regime or surgery if required, in order to correct the disorder or remove the diseased organ. They diagnose illnesses and infections, conduct annual/periodical exams, prescribe medications, counsel patients on fertility options and birth control methods and treat hormonal and reproductive issues. This field requires lots of dedication, devotion, detailed and accurate medical knowledge along with years of experience

Although Gynaecology and Obstetrics are related fields of study, both are diverse streams. Obstetrician are the physicians who specialise in caring for the pregnant women all through the process of childbirth. Gynaecologists on the other hand, are the physicians who mainly treat the disorders related to female reproductive system which consists of organs like vagina, uterus and ovaries. Many physicians specialise in both and so, these two profiles are often clubbed together to say many gynaecologists are also obstetricians. Obstetrician/Gynaecologists are commonly referred to as OB/GYN. They may further specialise in fields like adolescent gynaecology, behavioural problems, cancers of the female organs, endocrinology, health maintenance during pregnancy, infertility, operative gynaecology, pregnancy and delivery, and urinary tract disorders.

Eligibility & Course Areas:

Educational:

In order to become a Gynaecologist, candidates have to pursue post graduate courses such as MD (Doctor of Medicine) / MS (Master of Surgery) / DNB (Diploma of Medicine) or a Diploma course in Gynaecology (DGO).

Aspirants who have completed the 4 1/2 years MBBS program and the one-year internship subsequently can pursue postgraduate programs in Gynaecology. Post Graduate Programmes (MD / MS / DNB) is usually of 3 years duration. Diploma in Gynaecology( DGO )course is of 2 years duration. The MD/ MS degrees are offered by the Universities affiliated to the Medical Council Of India and the DNB degree is awarded by the National Board of Examination, an independent autonomous body under the Ministry of Health, India.

Selection for Post Graduate program is through Entrance Examination. In the case of private medical colleges entrance examinations are conducted by the institutes individually.

Those with Post Graduation (MD or MS or DNB) can further opt for super/sub-specialisation in their area of interest by opting for courses called DM or DNB (Doctorate of Medicine), or MCh or DNB (Master of Chirurgery/ Surgery) again of 3 years duration. Sub specialities in Gynaecology include Gynaecologic oncology, Urogynecology, maternal and fetal medicine, Reproductive endocrinology and infertility. In India, there is no MCh course in Gynaecology.

Personal attributes:

Gynaecologist must be compassionate and patient in order to establish a rapport with her patients. Must pay close attention to even the smallest details of the patient's problem. OB/GYN must be polite, enthusiastic and should have a pleasant personality. They must have excellent communication skills and can get along with people well and instil confidence. Must have very strong ethics, service mentality, self-motivated and able to make decisions quickly. Apart from all these qualities Gynaecologist must have good memory and recollection ability. A gynaecologist is also expected to possess a strong sense of responsibility as the patient's life depends entirely on him

Job Prospects & Career Options:

It is one of the lucrative and at the same time respectable career option for science students. Job prospects are expected to be very good especially for gynaecologists with extensive experience and specialisations as they plays a very important role in woman’s life. Gynaecologists examine and treat many different issues related to the female reproductive system such as gynaecological diseases, pregnancy, and fertility. They deal with many different conditions such as cancer, amenorrhea, urine incontinence, and prolapse of pelvic organs. Gynaecologists also provide a variety of procedures such as pap smears, biopsies, hysterectomies, tubal ligations, and oophorectomy.

OB/GYN can specialise in various sub specialities like Gynaecologic oncology, Urogynecology, maternal and fetal medicine, Reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Gynaecologic oncology, which deals with gynaecologic cancer, treats and diagnoses cancer in the reproductive system. Maternal and fetal medicine, deals with pregnancy complications. Gynaecologists in this field know how to treat and diagnose pregnancy complications before and after birth. Reproductive endocrinology and infertility focus on treating infertility disorders. Urogynecology is a surgical sub-speciality that focuses on surgical treatments that correct female urinary tract disorders.

These physicians can get jobs in Government or private hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals run by defence etc. Those who have interest in teaching can work as Gynaecology lecturers in medical schools or institutes. In this case, Candidates with Diploma (DGO) may have to put in another two years for getting their MD or MS or DNB to take up the teaching option, as Colleges/ institutes does not prefer to hire DGO's. One can opt for self-employment and start a clinic. One can also pursue research after completing postgraduate degree in any specialised branch of gynaecology. At the same time, the field is gratifying in the sense that you assist in bringing a new life into the world.

There are immense challenges in this field. The working time can be very hectic, they must be on call even at mid night in case of emergencies and may require to work for long hours. A gynaecologist needs to be very careful during the treatment procedures, as when dealing with pregnant women, one deals with two lives.

Colleges offering Degrees in Gynaecology:

  • Armed Forces Medical College, Pune
  • All India Institute of Medical Science, New Delhi
  • Government Medical College, Nagpur
  • Government Medical College, J & K
  • Government Medical College, Punjab
  • Government Medical College, Kerala
  • Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, Maharashtra

Challenges:

  • Long, irregular working hours
  • Job competition
  • Controversial Decisions
  • Gender bias
  • Stressful

Remuneration:

The gynaecologist salary range is dependent on various factors, including the educational degree, years of work experience, place of employment and the geographical location. One can expect a high salary from the beginning of his/her career in gynaecology. Doctors who practice both, gynaecology and obstetrics, are generally paid more, as they can offer expertise in both the fields. For fresher at entry level salary ranges from Rs. 4 to 5 lacs per annum. The experienced gynaecologist may earn up to Rs. 25 to Rs. 30 Lacs per annum depending upon experience. Salary in government hospital is based on the pay scale and grade decided by government.

Those who are owning their own clinic can earn beyond expectation depending upon experience, work, name and fame.

Obstetricians/Gynaecologists who work in hospitals make more money than those working in outpatient care centres and colleges, universities and professional schools. Obstetricians/Gynaecologists who work in their own private practice make significantly more than all others in this field. They charge on the basis of per visit and according to the complexity of the case.

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