The education and training requirements for OBGYN are set by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and include the following:

1. Graduation from an approved medical school
2. Completion of an OBGYN residency program (minimum of four years in length) that is accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
3. Rotations divided between obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, and ultrasonography
4. Experience in primary and preventive care role for the equivalent of at least six months of the residency, including inpatient and ambulatory care; diagnosis and management of breast disease and lower urinary tract dysfunction; performance and interpretation of diagnostic pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound
5. Increase in patient responsibility with each year of training

Board Certification

After graduation, all OBGYNs (even if they plan fellowship-training) have a two-step certification process through ABOG. The first step is completed right at graduation in an online multiple-choice format. The second step can only be completed after passing the first and is a three-hour oral-examination performed by specialized examiners at ABOG headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Most hospital systems in the US require board-eligibility or certification for credentialing. You can learn more at www.ABOG.org.