Obstetricians and Gynecologists
What comes to mind when you see a woman with a big, rounded belly? You'd obviously assume that she's probably pregnant and will be giving birth soon. There are so many medical specialties, with doctors trained to treat every kind of illness humans suffer from. But if you ever went with your mother to a hospital and found out, after some medical tests, that the doctor was telling her she was pregnant and would be having a baby brother or sister for you in a few months - would you know what specialty that doctor practices, the one who discovered your mother was pregnant? The doctor who monitors women's health during pregnancy, during childbirth, and afterward as well is called an "obstetrician-gynecologist." And women don't only see this doctor in those situations - any girl or woman might need to see an obstetrician-gynecologist if she develops any illness or symptoms related to the reproductive organs.
Meet the Writer: Waleed Abo Omiraa
What You'll Actually Do
The core tasks and responsibilities that fill a typical day.
- Care for and treat women during prenatal, natal, and postnatal periods.
- Explain procedures and discuss test results or prescribed treatments with patients.
- Treat diseases of female organs.
- Monitor patients' conditions and progress and reevaluate treatments as necessary.
- Perform cesarean sections or other surgical procedures as needed to preserve patients' health and deliver babies safely.
- Prescribe or administer therapy, medication, and other specialized medical care to treat or prevent illness, disease, or injury.
- Analyze records, reports, test results, or examination information to diagnose medical condition of patient.
- Collect, record, and maintain patient information, such as medical histories, reports, or examination results.
- Advise patients and community members concerning diet, activity, hygiene, and disease prevention.
- Refer patient to medical specialist or other practitioner when necessary.
- Consult with or provide consulting services to other physicians.
- Direct and coordinate activities of nurses, students, assistants, specialists, therapists, and other medical staff.
- Plan, implement, or administer health programs in hospitals, businesses, or communities for prevention and treatment of injuries or illnesses.
- Prepare government and organizational reports on birth, death, and disease statistics, workforce evaluations, or the medical status of individuals.