Skills Required For Becoming a Competent Gynecologist

In the term OBGYN, OB refers to obstetrics or an obstetrician (a medical expert who takes care of women during their pregnancy journey), and GYN refers to gynecology or a gynecologist, a doctor who diagnoses and treats female reproductive disorders. Besides pregnancy and childbirth, women's health issues OBGYN treats include hormonal issues, menstrual issues, reproductive tract infections, PCOS and PCOD, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, infertility, female reproductive organ cancer, pelvic pain, cervical dysplasia, prolapse, urinary tract infections, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, menopause and more.

So, to become a gynecologist, where does one start from? The process begins as early as in class 12th. Students need to appear in the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test for Undergraduates (NEET-UG). To be eligible for NEET-UG, students must obtain at least 50% marks in Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Biotechnology, and English in the 12th standard. Once they crack the medical entrance exam, students must attend the counseling process at the colleges to which they have applied. Once admitted, they need to complete their MBBS degree with one year of rotational internship. During their MBBS years, students can enroll in an online course in gynecology to better understand the relevant concepts of the subject. Once a student is sure about opting for OBGYN as their PG specialty, they need to take the NEET-PG exam, crack it, and then choose an MD/MS in Obstetrics and Gynecology. After completing the three-year master's program, the PG holders can get their medical certificate and license to start their medical career as an OBGYN specialist.

However, besides medical education, to become a skilled gynecologist, one needs a separate set of skills, such as communication skills, clinical skills, surgical skills, and problem-solving abilities. Read on to know more.


 Listening and Communication skills

A gynecologist needs to hear from patients and communicate with them effectively and patiently. The goal is to thoroughly understand the patient's concerns before coming up with a treatment plan. The field of gynecology is vast, and every woman's body is built differently. One size doesn't fit all here. Therefore, gynecologists should be great at listening to patients' symptoms, worries, and preferences to provide personalized care. Active listening and communication result in better treatment, improved relationships with patients, and the early detection of hidden diseases, if any.

Keeping calm under stress

Childbirth is a critical and complex process that places significant stress on both parents and their loved ones. In such high-tempo and anxiety-inducing scenarios, doctors need to keep calm, make swift decisions, and work with unwavering concentration for the best outcome.

Staying abreast of the latest medical developments

For gynecologists, keeping track of the latest technologies in their domain is essential. The latest research and medical announcements may play a part in offering patients the right treatment options. For example, while treating hormonal issues, medical professionals should know all about the latest hormone disruptors. Being updated with the latest medical news is crucial to providing optimal patient care.

Empathy and Compassion

Gynecologists often have to deal with patients who are grappling with stress and heightened emotions. For example, a pregnant patient could be anxious over seemingly minor issues during pregnancy, while individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy may experience symptoms of depression due to physiological changes. It is, therefore, very important for gynecologists to be kind to their patients and understand where their worries and stress are coming from. Dismissing patients' problems, getting impatient, and rushing through a consultation often end in a below-average relationship with the patient.

Ethical and Professional Integrity

It is essential for gynecologists to adhere to high ethical standards, abide by government regulations, and maintain patient confidentiality. For example, in India, gynecologists are strictly prohibited from conducting sex determination tests. Adhering to this mandate is essential to maintaining professional integrity, preventing gender-based discrimination, and upholding the ethical principles of patient confidentiality. This is just one example of how gynecologists’ professional and ethical integrity helps not just for the betterment of a country's healthcare system but also plays a role in the upliftment of society.

Gynecologists must have a multifaceted skill set; they should be empathetic, detail-oriented, and solution-oriented. A cornerstone of their proficiency lies in their communication skills, ensuring excellent history-taking, precise diagnosis, and good patient relationships. Collectively, these traits ensure gynecologists offer holistic patient care.

In today's educational landscape, online courses in gynecology are gaining popularity owing to their in-depth subject matter and flexible learning options. These courses offer a wealth of updated learning resources, including lectures, case studies, and MCQs. We suggest the following course by DigiNerve to all OBGYN students who want to upskill themselves or, are preparing for either PG exams or other entrance exams or are undergoing obstetrics and gynecology residency.

OBGYN MD by Dr. Aswath Kumar

Crafted by 98 eminent faculty, this is one of the best obstetrics and gynecology online courses. It focuses on important topics such as gynecological anatomy, menstrual physiology, gynecological surgery, developmental anomalies of the genital tract, hormonal abnormalities, uterine abnormalities, reproductive medicine, ovarian pathology, pelvic infection, pediatric gynecology, and urogynecology. The course also includes topics such as obstetrics anatomy, physiology, embryology, prenatal and antenatal care, pregnancy complications, labour, operative delivery, newborn-related disorders, and more. Hence, it provides one of the best gynecology lectures for PG OBGYN students.

The course offers 135+ hours of video lecture, 175+ topics in notes with images that act as a ready reckoner for students, clinical case-based discussions, 1650+ MCQs for self-assessment, and a detailed drug formulary. Online OBGYN MCQs & video lectures allow medical students to indulge in interactive learning.


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