How to Become an Obstetrician?
A complete guide on how to become an obstetrician, covering education, skills, career paths, and expert advice for aspiring doctors
In this Career Outline
Introduction to Obstetrician
"The hands of an Obstetrician are guided by both knowledge and an unwavering commitment to life." — Dr. Isabella Clark
Obstetricians are responsible for childbearing, providing care before, during, and after delivery. They counsel and monitor expectant parents, particularly the mother, throughout the pregnancy, assessing factors like height and ethnicity. They address concerns and help with birth preparations. During labor, they support the mother with breathing techniques and assist with delivery, sometimes performing a cesarean section if needed. After birth, they check on the mother’s recovery and manage any complications.
Steps to Become an Obstetrician:
Step-1
Focus on science subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics to lay the foundation for your medical studies.
Step-2
Enroll in a pre-medical or related field, such as biology or chemistry. This degree will prepare you for medical school.
Step-3
Prepare for and excel in entrance exams like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or equivalent tests in your country.
Step-4
Complete a four-year medical program where you'll learn the basics of medicine and participate in clinical rotations.
Step-5
After medical school, you'll need to undergo specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology, which typically lasts 4-5 years.
Step-6
Pass the required licensing exams and become board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology to practice independently.
Step-7
Some obstetricians opt to further specialize in fields such as maternal-fetal medicine or reproductive endocrinology.
Eligibility Criteria
| Eligibility Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Eligibility | Must possess at least 50% aggregate marks in 12th grade from a recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC, etc.). |
| Educational Background | High school diploma or equivalent. |
| Undergraduate Degree | MBBS or a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. |
| Postgraduate Degree | M.S in Obstetrics and Gynaecology for advanced specialization and career growth. |
| Entrance Exams | Valid score in NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, AFMC, PGIMER, DNB CET, etc. |
- Must have at least 50% aggregate in 12th grade from any recognized board (PUC/CBSE/ICSE/ISC). Cut-off marks vary by college.
- Obtain a valid score in Entrance exams after 12th like NEET, AIIMS, JIPMER, or college-specific tests (e.g., NMIMS, Symbiosis, XUB). State-level exams may also be required.
- Earn an MBBS degree or a Diploma in Obstetrics and Gynaecology to qualify as an Obstetrician.
- An M.S. in Obstetrics and Gynaecology is advantageous for advanced education and career opportunities.
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Tasks to perform as an Obstetrician:
Knowledge & Skills Required
Obstetricians must possess a wide array of skills to succeed in their careers. Here are the key knowledge areas and skills needed to excel in this field:
| Knowledge Required | |
|---|---|
| A deep understanding of the female reproductive system and pregnancy is essential. | Insight into hereditary conditions and prenatal genetic testing. |
| Knowledge of surgical procedures, including cesarean sections. | Knowledge of the stages of fetal growth and development. |
| Understanding of medications used during pregnancy and childbirth. | Skills in handling childbirth emergencies such as preeclampsia or hemorrhage. |
| Skills Required | |
|---|---|
| Manual Dexterity | Empathy |
| Critical Thinking | Teamwork |
| Communication | Stress Management |
Understanding What are soft skills? and why is it important,as they complement technical abilities and enhance overall performance in the field of Obstetrician.
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Job roles offered for an Obstetrician:
Once you become an obstetrician, various career paths open up:
Examine, diagnose, and treat patients across fields like pediatrics or cardiology. Requires a medical degree, residency, and licensing.
Focus on women’s reproductive health, including exams, treatments, and managing conditions like endometriosis and infertility. Some gynecologists also work as obstetricians.
Manage patient care across acute and chronic conditions, perform physical exams, and prescribe treatments.
Specialize in surgical procedures, from pre-op to post-op care. Includes minimally invasive techniques like laparoscopy.
Support surgeries by preparing the operating room, sterilizing tools, and assisting with patient prep and minor procedures.
Not sure where you fit in?
With countless career options, choosing the right path can be tough. Analysis and guidance sessions help clarify what to study, pursue, and achieve.
Career Opportunities for an Obstetrician:
Obstetricians can opt for various fields of work in the companies listed below:
| Kaiser Permanente | Allegheny Health Network | Ashtabula County Medical Center |
| Blair Medical Associates | Samaritan Medical Center | P. Gill Obstetrics And Gynecology Medical Group |
| London Womens Care | Women's Health Center | Mayo Clinic |
| Tufts Medical Centre |
Colleges offering courses for Obstetrician:
Here is the list of colleges offering the Best courses after 12th:
| CMC Vellore - Christian Medical College | KMC Mangalore - Kasturba Medical College |
| St Johns Medical College, Bangalore | AIIMS Delhi - All India Institute of Medical Sciences New |
| KMC Manipal - Kasturba Medical College | MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore |
| AFMC Pune - Armed Forces Medical College | KPC Medical College and Hospital, Jadavpur |
| Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi | HIMSR New Delhi - Hamdard Institute of Medical Sciences and Research |
End Note
Becoming an obstetrician requires dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to women's health. If you're ready to embark on this fulfilling career path, SetMyCareer is here to guide you with Career counselling after graduation at step of the way. Connect with our experts to start your journey toward becoming an obstetrician today!
In this Career Outline
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