Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Your Fit

Income

$299K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

2.2%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Obstetrician/Gynecologist?

An Obstetrician/Gynecologist (OB/GYN) is a physician specializing in women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and disorders of the female reproductive system. They provide a combination of primary and specialized medical care related to obstetrics and gynecology.

Sample job titles:

MD (Medical Doctor), OB/GYN Physician (Obstetrics and Gynecology Physician), OBGYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist), Physician

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Obstetrician/Gynecologist.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

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How much does an Obstetrician/Gynecologist earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Obstetrician/Gynecologist.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$121K per year	NA per year	$299K per year	NA per year	$613K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $234K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Obstetrician/Gynecologist do?

Work environment

OB/GYNs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private clinics, and group practices. Their work often involves irregular hours, including nights and weekends, due to the unpredictable nature of childbirth and emergency gynecological procedures.

Quick task list

Provides prenatal care, delivers babies, and manages postnatal care.
Conducts routine gynecological exams and procedures.
Diagnoses and treats disorders of the female reproductive system.
Performs surgeries, such as cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and laparoscopies.
Counsels patients on reproductive health, contraception, and fertility.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Maternal-Fetal Medicine: Specializing in high-risk pregnancies and fetal complications.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility: Focusing on hormonal disorders and infertility treatment.
Gynecologic Oncology: Treating cancers of the female reproductive system.
Urogynecology/Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery: Addressing urinary tract and pelvic floor disorders.
Minimally Invasive Gynecologic Surgery: Specializing in less invasive surgical techniques.

Description

Obstetricians/Gynecologists play a critical role in women's health care, covering a broad spectrum of issues from adolescence through menopause and beyond. They are uniquely positioned to build long-term relationships with patients, providing continuity of care that spans decades. OB/GYNs combine surgical skills with medical expertise to manage a variety of conditions, making their practice both diverse and dynamic.

The field is highly demanding but equally rewarding, requiring extensive knowledge of both obstetrics and gynecology. OB/GYNs must be adept in various surgical procedures and comfortable making quick, often critical decisions, especially during childbirth. Their practice is not limited to physical health but also encompasses the psychological and social aspects of women's health, requiring strong communication and empathy.

OB/GYNs must keep abreast of the latest medical advancements and technologies in their field. The profession demands lifelong learning and adaptation to improve patient outcomes and embrace innovative treatment methods. Their role extends beyond individual patient care, often involving public health advocacy, health education, and contributing to research in women's health.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The joy of bringing new life into the world and managing the miracle of childbirth.
Building long-term relationships with patients and impacting their lives positively.
The diversity of medical and surgical challenges in the field.

You might make a good Obstetrician/Gynecologist if you are...

Passionate about women's health and reproductive medicine.
Able to handle high-stress situations and make critical decisions under pressure.
Interested in a mix of surgical and medical practice.
Compassionate and empathetic, with excellent communication skills.
Eager for continuous learning and staying current with medical advancements.

Pros:

Rewarding and impactful work in women's health.
High demand and earning potential.
Diverse career opportunities, including clinical practice, research, and teaching.

Cons:

Long and demanding hours, with potential for night and weekend work.
Emotional and physical demands, particularly in high-risk obstetrics.
Extensive and competitive training process.

How to become an Obstetrician/Gynecologist

Typical education

In Canada, becoming an Obstetrician/Gynecologist typically involves completing four years of undergraduate education, followed by four years of medical school leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Graduates then complete a five-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology, after which some pursue additional fellowship training in subspecialty areas.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced courses in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics to build a strong scientific foundation.
Health and Anatomy classes to gain initial insights into human physiology.
Psychology to understand patient care and empathy.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteer at hospitals or healthcare clinics.
Shadow medical professionals, particularly in women's health.
Participate in science clubs, health-focused organizations, or research projects.

Preparation after high school

Complete an undergraduate degree, often with a strong foundation in the sciences.
Graduate from medical school with a Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree.
Complete a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology, typically five years in length.
Pursue optional fellowship training for subspecialties such as maternal-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, or urogynecology.
Obtain certification from the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and register with the provincial medical regulatory authority to practise.

More resources

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) - Provides resources, guidelines, and advocacy for OB/GYN professionals.
The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) - Offers board certification and continuing medical education.
Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM) - Focuses on high-risk pregnancies and maternal-fetal health.
American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) - Provides resources on reproductive medicine and infertility.

Similar careers

Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.