An introduction to O&G
Working in obstetrics and gynaecology (O&G) gives doctors a chance to play a part in some of the most significant and memorable moments of a woman’s life, be it pregnancy and childbirth, conception or the treatment of long-term gynaecological problems. Doctors who choose this career are dedicated to improving women’s health at all stages of their lives.
By choosing a career in O&G, you will be able to develop a wide range of interests and skills, whether performing cutting-edge surgery or resolving complicated therapeutic problems. The common link is women’s health: before, during and after the reproductive years. However, O&G work also includes women’s partners, family and children too. Doctors in this field must draw on both medical and surgical expertise, as well as strong decision-making abilities and superb communication skills.
Opportunities for personal development, career progression and subspecialisation are available for all doctors in O&G. Where your O&G career takes you will depend on your interests and abilities. If you decide to enter the specialty training programme, in the final three years of training, trainee doctors are required to complete two special interest training modules (SITMs) or one subspecialty programme to be eligible for CCT. While working in O&G you may wish to pursue the opportunities available to you via an academic pathway. As a consultant, specialty or specialist doctor, you could work across a range of clinical areas or you could choose to work purely in one field.
Whatever you decide to do, a career in O&G can be flexible, exciting and motivating; at times demanding and challenging, but always varied and above all, rewarding.
Find out more about the different types of careers in O&G and the role of the RCOG in supporting you throughout your career:
Find out more about the variety of different roles and opportunities available as an O&G doctor.
Find out more about how the RCOG can support you through your career in O&G.
Please note: across our careers information we use the terms woman and women’s health. However, it is important to acknowledge that it is not only people who identify as women for whom it is necessary to access women’s health and reproductive services in order to maintain their gynaecological health and reproductive wellbeing. Gynaecological and obstetric services and delivery of care must therefore be appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to the needs of those individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth.