how to become a gynecologist

How to Become a Gynecologist

1. Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)

To become a gynecologist, you must first earn a Bachelor's Degree. It's good idea to take a pre-med program course in college, or a path that is heavy in math and physical science.

The courses differ depending on which path you choose, but some of the courses are the same, mainly the math, sciences, and some general education courses. You need to make sure you get the proper pre-requisites for medical school.

A course load for pre-med might look like the following:

Grade Level	Example Courses
Freshman	General Chemistry I & Lab General Chemistry II & Lab Biology & Lab Calculus I Physics I & Lab Physics II & Lab Humanities Requirements Electives
Sophomore	Organic Chemistry I & Lab Organic Chemistry II & Lab Fundamentals of Microbiology & Lab Genetics Physiology Humanities Requirements Electives
Junior	Cell Structure & Function General Virology & Lab Microbial Genetics & Lab Biochemistry I Biochemistry II Humanities Requirements Electives
Senior	Upper Level Biology Upper Level Chemistry Upper Level Physics Upper Level Psychology Upper Level Kinesiology Remaining Requirements & Electives

Be sure to keep your grads high, as medical school admissions are very competitive. You need to start prepping for the MCAT as well, because you need to take it to advance.

2. Take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)

To be admitted into medical school, candidates must first take the MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, a 7.5 hour, standardized, multiple choice exam used to assess the applicant's knowledge of science, reasoning, communication, and writing skills.

The MCAT is divided into four sections:

Section	Section Breakdown
Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems	59 multiple-choice questions 95 minutes Tests biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry
Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems	59 multiple-choice questions 95 minutes Tests biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics
Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior	59 multiple-choice questions 95 minutes Tests introductory psychology, sociology, and biology
Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills	52 multiple-choice questions 90 minutes Tess reading comprehension, humanities, and social sciences

You can find study materials, MCAT registration, and your test scores on the MCAT website. If you are unsatisfied with your score on any of the aforementioned exams, you are free to retake them. Depending on the school, some will average your scores and others will simply take your most recent.

3. Earn a Medical Degree (4 Years)

You have two program choices in medical school to become a gynecologist: a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) program. Each degree focuses on the same methods of treatment, but a DO degree also focuses on osteopathic manipulative medicine.

Whichever path you choose, you are facing 4-5 years in medical school. Your first couple of years will focus on the following:

Basic pathology
Anatomy
Biology
Immunology
Reproductive system

During the second two years, students complete their clinical rotations and work with patients under the supervision of a licensed physician in various areas of practice, including obstetrics and gynecology.

4. Complete a Residency (4 Years)

After medical school, you have to complete a 4-year OBGYN residency. During this time, you will be supervised by other healthcare professionals and get hands on training to build upon your skills and confidence, to allow you independent practice.

During your residency, you can expect to work in a clinical or hospital setting. It's here you can really hone in on your skills and build upon your knowledge. During your residency, you will gain experience in preventive and primary care, patient diagnosis and surgical procedures.

As a resident OBGYN, your responsibilities and duties will increase each year until you can fulfill all the duties of an OBGYN independently. In these years, you'll likely spend long hours at the hospital or clinic and respond to unexpected emergencies, such as births, at all hours of the night.