An OB/GYN, or obstetrician-gynecologist, is a medical doctor who specializes in the care of womens reproductive health. They provide a wide range of services, including:

• Pregnancy and childbirth care: OB/GYNs monitor the health of pregnant women and their babies throughout pregnancy, deliver babies, and provide postpartum care.

• Gynecological care: OB/GYNs diagnose and treat conditions related to the female reproductive system, such as menstrual disorders, infertility, and sexually transmitted infections.

• Surgery: OB/GYNs are trained surgeons who can perform a variety of procedures, including cesarean sections, hysterectomies, and surgeries to remove growths like ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.

• Specialized care: Some OB/GYNs specialize in areas like maternal-fetal medicine, which focuses on high-risk pregnancies, or reproductive endocrinology and infertility, which focuses on fertility issues and hormonal dysfunctions.

To become an OB/GYN, a doctor must complete medical school to receive an MD or DO degree, followed by a four-year OB/GYN residency program approved by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) . This adds up to 11-14 years of education and practical experience. Experienced OB/GYN professionals can seek certifications in sub-specialty areas, including maternal and fetal medicine.