The below profiles provide you with more insight into the different experiences and potential career pathways within O&G.
The O&G specialty training programme
Dr Sian Mitchell (Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS foundation trust)
‘My favourite medical school placement was O&G at Northwick Park Hospital over 10 years ago and from then, I knew that O&G specialty training was for me. The training programme provides trainees with the opportunity to explore many different aspects of O&G. At the start of your training, you will learn the basics in both obstetrics and gynaecology; this provides a great foundation for the specialty and your future career in O&G. Then, as your training progresses, you can tailor your training to suit your skills and interests. There is so much to explore. Personally, I am passionate about gynaecology and have been fortunate enough to meet many inspirational gynaecologists throughout my career so far.
‘The training programme is also constantly evolving to meet the needs of the trainees and the needs of the service and the women in our care. As a trainee, you feel valued and your opinion is taken on board when changes are made. There is also great camaraderie among trainees, through both the good and the bad, and that is something we are so lucky to have in our specialty.’
Global Health
Mr Tarek El Shamy (Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust)
'My journey into obstetrics and gynaecology began as a medical student at Cairo University, in Egypt.
'During my Foundation year, I observed a colposuspension procedure to dramatically improve the life of a woman who had endured years of urinary incontinence. This was a defining and transformative moment for me. Witnessing the significant enhancement in her quality of life reinforced my belief in the critical role of obstetrics and gynaecology in making meaningful, life-changing differences for those we care for.
'Throughout my career in Egypt, I faced the challenges of managing obstetric emergencies within the constraints of limited resources. These experiences enriched my surgical skills and expanded my knowledge in emergency obstetric care, particularly from being involved with pregnancies complicated by placenta accreta spectrum, fuelled by the increased prevalence of caesarean sections in my country.
'Having completed my basic training, I ventured into further postgraduate training in the UK via the International Doctor Training Program where I successfully obtained my MRCOG. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in my journey, broadened my clinical expertise and culturally enriched my medical practice.
'Since being in the UK, I have been dedicated to advancing global health knowledge. For example, I organised a multidisciplinary workshop on defibulation, aimed at educating midwives and trainees on managing cases of female genital mutilation (FGM). This workshop was designed to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide compassionate and effective care for women affected by FGM. I have also made academic contributions, such as authoring book chapters on obstetrics and gynaecology in low-resource settings and peer reviewing for global health journals.
'Now, as a consultant at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, I continue to refine my surgical expertise and have been instrumental in establishing the Complex Obstetric Surgery and Abnormal Placentation service providing multidisciplinary care and expertise in managing these high-risk pregnancies and ensuring the safety and well-being of both the mother and the baby.
'Choosing obstetrics and gynaecology was a decision made from the heart. It is a field I would choose time and again without hesitation, driven by a deep-seated desire to enhance women's health care and make a lasting impact on their lives.'
Portfolio Pathway (formerly the CESR Pathway)
Dr Pari Gurusamy (North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust)
‘I am currently a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist at the North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust. While I primarily practice as a generalist, I collaborate closely with the integrated British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy (BSGE) accredited Endometriosis Centre and provide support to the urogynaecology services within the Trust. I decided to pursue a career in O&G due to its unique mix of medicine and surgery, the range of sub-specialist and special-interest career options, and the opportunity to positively impact women's health. I enjoy performing minimal access surgeries and interacting with multi-disciplinary teams, and also find fulfilment in supporting and caring for patients from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and age-groups.
‘I pursued the Certificate of Eligibility for Specialist Registration (CESR) for its flexibility, empowering me to steer my personal specialist training journey while meeting the RCOG training requirements at each stage. This pathway not only allowed for greater autonomy and control over my professional development but also provided the foundation for a resilient and fulfilling career characterised by continuous growth and advancement. By pursuing CESR, I could strategically navigate my career journey, and tailor my career trajectory to suit my specific interests, skills, and circumstances. I was able to leverage diverse experiences and opportunities to cultivate a well-rounded skill set and establish myself as a competent specialist.’
SAS and Locally Employed doctors
Visit this page to view profiles of SAS and Locally Employed Doctors working in O&G.
O&G Consultant (Obstetrics)
Mr Pat O’Brien (University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
‘I don’t think the thrill of being present at the birth of a baby will ever fade. But perhaps what appeals to me most is that O&G is a wonderful mix of medicine and hands-on surgery – a better mix, I believe, than that provided by any other specialty.
‘I am privileged to work with a team of consultants from various specialties, along with skilled midwives and nurses to provide care to pregnant women with complex medical problems such as diabetes, epilepsy, blood clotting disorders and neurological problems, to name but a few. Perhaps the most challenging group are women with congenital heart disease, many of whom will have had heart surgery in childhood. Pregnancy places extra demands on the heart and, for many of these women, it is a time of considerable risk for them and their babies. In fact, it is only in recent years that such women are surviving into adulthood and becoming pregnant, so this is often uncharted territory. Although the challenges are significant, the rewards are greater.’
Gynaecological oncology
Mr Janos Balega (Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust)
‘Gynaecological oncology is a specialised area of O&G with focus on the diagnosis and treatment of cancers affecting women’s reproductive organs. This role requires a mixture of surgical and non-surgical skills. It includes performing highly complex open and minimally invasive surgery, a thorough knowledge of surgical anatomy, a good understanding of chemotherapy and radiotherapy principles, strong communication skills and a deep level of empathy.
‘I was lucky enough to gain exposure to gynaecological oncology during my first year of foundation training and immediately fell in love with the subspecialty. Later I decided to formally pursue a career in gynaecological oncology and was fortunate to gain a subspecialty post.
‘My career as a gynaecological oncologist has provided me with the opportunity to engage in research and teaching on a daily basis. This has allowed me to develop my skillset and enjoy the educational component alongside my clinical work.
‘It is inspiring to be a part of a multidisciplinary team; I regularly work with physicians, colorectal and hepatobiliary surgeons, and clinical and medical oncologists. In gynaecological oncology, leadership is important to build strong, competent teams and cancer centres, push boundaries, lead research and share our knowledge with colleagues. We are constantly seeking to further the services and treatment we provide, to improve the outcomes of the patients in our care.
‘I feel privileged to treat women with cancer and to work in a wonderful team of aspiring colleagues; I have never regretted my decision to pursue a career as a gynaecological oncologist.’
Reproductive Medicine
Dr Alison Richardson MBChB MRCOG PhD (Care Fertility)
‘Reproductive medicine is a multifaceted and dynamic subspecialty that encompasses an extensive range of clinical areas offering a rich and rewarding career path. From addressing fertility challenges to managing complex reproductive surgeries, to guiding adolescents through differences in sexual development, and supporting patients facing recurrent miscarriage, this field is both diverse and impactful. With a strong emphasis on patient-centred care, necessitating effective communication and empathy, this subspecialty offers holistic support, acknowledging the sensitive nature of reproductive health issues. The field combines clinical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and the joy of helping individuals and couples build the families they desire. The multidisciplinary nature of this subspecialty encourages teamwork, bringing together reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists, andrologists, nurses and counsellors. This collaborative environment fosters continuous learning and professional growth.
‘A career in Reproductive Medicine also provides the option to work in the independent sector, either exclusively, or alongside an NHS appointment. This not only enables the opportunity to stay at the forefront of advancements in fertility treatments and technologies and offer a comprehensive and dedicated approach to patient care, but also affords additional career options for people as they strive to strike an ideal work-life balance. Alongside the clinical work, it is possible to engage in innovative research, contributing to advancements in treatment modalities and shaping the landscape of reproductive healthcare.
‘I thoroughly enjoyed my O&G placement as a Medical Student in Bristol and so decided to apply for Specialty Training in 2007. By the end of ST5, I was fairly sure I wanted to specialise in Reproductive Medicine but as I had had limited exposure to IVF during my training, I decided to take some time out of programme to try to explore the subspecialty a bit more before committing. During this time, I spent 3 years as a Clinical Research Fellow in an IVF unit in Nottingham where I not only completed a PhD but also developed clinical skills including transvaginal ultrasound, egg collections and embryo transfers. This experience confirmed my absolute commitment to the subspecialty and when I returned to Specialty Training in 2016, I was completely focussed on trying to secure a Subspecialty Training post in Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, which I did, in 2017. After 14 years, during which I worked in 10 different hospitals, moved house 7 times, got married and had 3 children, I finally completed my training at the end of 2019 and now have the best job in the world!’
Urogynaecology
Miss Hayser Medina Lucena (Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust)
‘Urogynaecology is a sub specialty of gynaecology which provides advice and treatment to people presenting with a wide range of urogynaecological conditions including urinary incontinence, vaginal prolapse, recurrent urinary tract infections and other pelvic floor disorders.
‘I decided to pursue a career in urogynaecology because I am driven by a passion to improve the quality of life for patients. In this respect, I find urogynaecology extremely rewarding. It is not just about what we do, but also about the wider impact this can have on the patients in our care. Being able to address the unique needs of each individual battling a pelvic floor disorder allows us to empower patients to reclaim their lives.
‘Urogynaecology is a field that thrives on collaboration with a diverse range of other specialities such as urologists, colorectal surgeons, nurse specialists, physiotherapists, and psychologists. This has enabled me to develop my skills within a multifaceted, multidisciplinary team that works together to ensure the best possible care is provided.
‘No two days in the specialty are the same, particularly now as the speed of innovation across medicine seems to be accelerating faster than ever. From conservative approaches, such as pessaries or physiotherapy, to more advanced surgical interventions, we can offer a comprehensive range of treatment options. It is also an exciting time to be part of this advancing specialty, as recent additions of robotic surgery and artificial intelligence are likely to change what we do and what we are able to offer our patients in the future.’