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Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Nature of the work

An obstetrician/gynecologist possesses special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of the female reproductive system and associated disorders. This physician serves as a consultant to other physicians, and as a primary care physician for women.

Training/residency information

The residency for obstetrics and gynecology is four years plus two years in clinical practice before certification is complete. One to three years of additional training is required to practice in one of the subspecialty areas.

Workforce and salary information

According to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, the number of U.S. medical school graduates entering residency programs in obstetrics and gynecology has declined over the past 6 years, in both numbers and percentage of graduates. The annual salary ranges from approximately $219,000 to $302,192.

For more information

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American College of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and the "2006 Physician Compensation Survey," Modern Healthcare. July 17, 2006. (Based on surveys conducted by American Medical Group Association; Cejka Search; Daniel Stern & Associates; Delta Physician Placement; Hay Group; Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service; Jackson & Coker; Martin, Fletcher & Associates; MD Network; Medical Group Management Association; Medicus Partners; Merritt, Hawkins & Associates; Pcific Cos.; Pinnacle Helaht Group; and Sullivan, Cotter & Associates.)