Who Are Obstetrician Gynecologist?

By: Toshani Kapoor

Teen Health Journals

January 1 2026

An obstetrician-gynecologist, or more commonly referred to as an OB/GYN, is a type of doctor who specializes in women's reproductive health, childbirth, and pregnancy. OB/GYNs are present with their patients in very emotional and critical moments of their lives. Because of that, OB/GYNs are required to be strong in their medical knowledge and have strong communication skills, so that their patients feel at ease and supported at all times. OB/GYNs are the ones who take care of the patients from the very first preventive care visit till their patients' delivery. Their job is not only rigorous but it is also emotionally demanding and that's why it calls for lots of compassion and being able to handle pressure. Because women’s health needs change throughout their lives, OBGYNs often build close and long-term relationships with their patients.

Becoming an OB/GYN involves completing at least twelve years of education and dedication. The first step after finishing high school is getting a bachelor’s degree in a science such as biology, chemistry, anatomy, and others. After completing undergraduate studies, it is mandatory to take the MCAT in order to be accepted into medical school. The duration of medical school is four years, during which students learn fundamentals of medicine and acquire clinical experience in hospitals and clinics. Then, future OB/GYN’s then take a four year residency program. During their residency, they are trained in areas such as prenatal care, labor and delivery, and surgical procedures. After the residency is finished, the OB/GYNs have to take their board exams in order to be certified and become OB/GYNs.

OB/GYNs work extremely hard, and what they do on a daily basis ranges from obstetrics to gynecology. In the field of gynecology, they do routine check-ups, collect samples, and give advice on contraception and reproductive health. Other than that, they identify and take care of common cases of ovarian cysts, endometriosis, UTIs, and so much more. In the obstetrician field, they monitor pregnancies from the beginning to the end, assist in delivering the babies, and treat any complications that arise during childbirth. Their wide range of tasks makes their job both exhausting and rewarding.

The workload is one of the greatest challenges while being an OB/GYN. Numerous obstetricians and gynecologists work excessive hours.  Besides doing the work of caring for patients, the emotional aspect of the job can be extremely tiring when dealing with high-risk pregnancies or serious diagnoses. In these situations, OB/GYNs have to remain calm and professional, when in reality, they are panicking and stressed out. While being stressed and panicked, they also have to make sure the families are feeling supported and reassured. However, OBGYN’s and other doctors in this field claim that the rewards outdo the challenges. Being present during birth or a patient’s recovery from a serious health problem can be a very gratifying experience. OB/GYNs also have the opportunity to not only educate patients but also advocate for women’s health, which makes their profession even more significant. 

Works Cited

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‌“What It’s Really Like as an Ob-Gyn—from 5 Physicians Who Know.” American Medical Association, 22 Jan. 2025, www.ama-assn.org/medical-students/specialty-profiles/what-its-really-ob-gyn-5-physicians-who-know. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

“A Day in the Life | Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.” Henryford.com, 2025, www.henryford.com/hcp/med-ed/residencies-fellowships/macomb/ob-gyn/a-day-in-the-life. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

“What Is an OBGYN, and When Should You See One? - the Mother Baby Center.” The Mother Baby Center, 9 Jan. 2023, www.themotherbabycenter.org/blog/2023/01/what-is-obgyn/. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.

“Physician Specialty: Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB-GYN).” American Medical Association, 24 Jan. 2024, www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/career-development/physician-specialty-obstetriciangynecologist-ob-gyn. Accessed 25 Dec. 2025.