Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN) is a core medical specialty focused on women’s reproductive health, pregnancy management, and childbirth. It integrates two closely connected disciplines: obstetrics, which centers on prenatal care, fetal monitoring, and delivery, and gynecology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the female reproductive system throughout a woman’s life.
OB/GYN physicians are trained to perform routine examinations, manage complex pregnancies, conduct advanced surgical procedures, and provide essential preventive and therapeutic care. Medical students rotating through OB/GYN gain hands-on exposure to outpatient clinics, labor and delivery units, and gynecologic surgeries—experiences that significantly strengthen their clinical foundation and support effective USMLE Step 2 CK preparation.
What Is Obstetrics and Gynecology?
Obstetrics and Gynecology works across two interconnected domains: pregnancy-related care and reproductive health management. Together, these disciplines ensure comprehensive medical support for women before, during, and after pregnancy, as well as throughout their reproductive years.
Obstetrics
Obstetrics is responsible for caring for pregnant patients and ensuring safe childbirth. It includes prenatal education, fetal monitoring, management of pregnancy-related complications, and postpartum care. Obstetricians are trained to handle both normal and high-risk pregnancies, and to intervene surgically when necessary.
Key Concepts in Obstetrics
Obstetrics involves structured examinations, fetal assessments, and coordinated care plans that support both mother and baby. Procedures such as Cesarean delivery, perineal repair, dilation and curettage, and postpartum evaluations are central components of this field.
Gynecology
Gynecology focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing diseases of the female reproductive organs. This includes patient counseling, cancer screening, management of menstrual and hormonal disorders, and surgical interventions when needed.
Core Areas of Gynecologic Care
Gynecology covers the evaluation of pelvic and breast health, reproductive system imaging, endoscopic procedures, and the treatment of congenital or acquired reproductive disorders. Gynecologists also provide guidance on contraception, sexual health, menopause, and preventive medicine.
OB/GYN Subspecialties
After completing a 4-year residency, OB/GYN physicians may enter specialized fellowship programs. These subspecialties allow the physician to focus on advanced fields of reproductive medicine.
Gynecologic Oncology
This subspecialty deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cancers affecting the female reproductive system, including ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. Fellows are trained in complex surgeries, chemotherapy planning, and oncologic follow-ups.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (REI)
REI focuses on hormonal dysfunctions, infertility evaluation, and assisted reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization (IVF). Specialists help patients navigate reproductive challenges and optimize fertility outcomes.
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)
MFM specialists handle high-risk pregnancies, fetal abnormalities, and severe maternal complications. They utilize advanced imaging and monitoring to ensure the best possible outcomes for mother and baby.
Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (Urogynecology)
This subspecialty manages pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and related disorders. Physicians receive extensive training in reconstructive pelvic surgeries and long-term management strategies.
The OB/GYN Clerkship Experience
OB/GYN clerkships offer medical students a dynamic clinical environment where every day may present a new patient or challenge. The rotation integrates outpatient visits, inpatient care, operating room experiences, and hands-on labor and delivery exposure.
Structure of the Clerkship
Most clerkships span 4–8 weeks, divided between obstetrics and gynecology. Students typically rotate through prenatal clinics, labor and delivery units, gynecology wards, and operating rooms, gaining practical skills in patient assessment, documentation, and procedural assistance.
Daily Activities in OB/GYN Clerkships
Students participate in pre-rounding, patient evaluations, rounds with residents and attending physicians, surgical observations, deliveries, and educational conferences. Obstetrics shifts often include active involvement in labor monitoring, while gynecology shifts emphasize surgical care and postoperative management.
Core Clinical Skills in OB/GYN
The OB/GYN clerkship helps students develop both medical and surgical abilities that are fundamental to women’s healthcare.
History and Physical Examination
Students learn to conduct sensitive, thorough medical interviews and perform supervised physical exams, including pelvic and breast assessments. Understanding reproductive physiology and pregnancy-related changes is essential to accurate patient evaluation.
Diagnostic Interpretation
Clerkship training includes reading ultrasounds, interpreting Pap smears, understanding fetal monitoring techniques, and recognizing abnormal findings that require intervention.
Surgical Principles
Students observe procedures such as laparoscopy, hysteroscopy, Cesarean delivery, and perineal repair while learning sterile techniques, suturing basics, and perioperative patient management.
Conclusion
Obstetrics and Gynecology is a vital medical specialty that supports women’s reproductive health from adolescence through pregnancy and into menopause. Whether managing routine care or addressing complex medical conditions, OB/GYN physicians play a central role in promoting lifelong wellness. For medical students, the OB/GYN clerkship provides a unique opportunity to develop clinical confidence, surgical skills, and compassionate patient-centered practice—essential qualities for a healthcare career dedicated to women’s health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What does an OB/GYN doctor do?
An OB/GYN provides reproductive healthcare, manages pregnancy and childbirth, performs gynecologic surgeries, and offers preventive care across a woman’s lifespan.
Is OB/GYN considered a surgical specialty?
Yes. OB/GYN combines both medical and surgical responsibilities, including minimally invasive procedures and major operations like Cesarean deliveries.
What makes OB/GYN clerkships challenging?
The workload, emotional demands, unpredictable hours, and exposure to emergency situations make OB/GYN rotations fast-paced but highly rewarding.
Do OB/GYN subspecialties require extra training?
Yes. After residency, physicians may complete 2–3 years of fellowship training in areas like oncology, infertility, or maternal-fetal medicine.