Education, Training, and Certification for OBGYN
The education and training requirements for OBGYN are set by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) and include the following:
- Graduation from an approved medical school
- Completion of an OBGYN residency program (minimum of four years in length) that is accredited by the American Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME)
- Rotations divided between obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, and ultrasonography
- 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
- 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.