Subspecialties in OBGYN
There are numerous subspecialties in OBGYN that require additional fellowship training. Many participate in the National Resident Matching Program service but all require application, interview, and acceptance to the training program. Most of these subspecialties have a separate certification process from the generalist OBGYN boards.
Gynecologic Oncology – Three to Four Years
This specialty provides consultation and comprehensive management of patients with gynecologic cancers like ovarian, endometrial, and cervical malignancies. This subspecialty is largely surgical but many providers also manage chemotherapy and participate in multidisciplinary care teams with pathology, interventional and oncologic radiology, and care coordinators. To learn more, visit www.sgo.org.
Maternal/Fetal Medicine – Three Years
These physicians provide care and consultation of high-risk obstetric patients, including those with diagnosed fetal anomalies/conditions, underlying complex maternal health conditions, and severe pregnancy complications. These specialists also have specialized training in advanced ultrasound skills to assist diagnosis and management options. To learn more, visit www.smfm.org.
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility – Three Years
REI subspecialists provide care to help diagnose and manage infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, and complex endocrine conditions that impact the female reproductive system. Many times they provide advanced infertility services including in vitro fertilization, preimplantation diagnosis, and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). To learn more, visit www.socrei.org.
Female Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery – Three Years
Sometimes also known as urogynecologists, FPMRS physicians provide care for conditions that impact the female urogenital tract, often including pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence disorders. This is a highly-surgical/procedural field of OBGYN and includes use of several in-office assessments and treatments to help provide care. To learn more, visit www.augs.org.
Complex Family Planning – Two Years
FP subspecialists provide care that centers on supportive and skilled abortion care along with being experts on complex contraception counseling and needs. This subspecialty is a balance between procedural/surgical practice and office-counseling and care. To learn more, visit www.societyfp.org/fellowship.
Minimally-Invasive Gynecologic Surgery – Two Years
MIGS physicians provide highly-skilled surgical techniques to manage some of the most complex benign gynecologic conditions including severe endometriosis and fertility-sparing, minimally-invasive management of uterine fibroids. They are often the developers of cutting-edge surgical techniques and technology in OBGYN. To learn more, visit www.aagl.com.
Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology – Two Years
These subspecialists provide gynecologic care for young patients with a focus on both routine care and diagnosis and management of abnormalities of puberty and development. They provide both office-based and surgical care and are skilled at creating a safe and supportive caring environment for even the youngest of patients. To learn more, visit www.naspag.org.
Breast Disease – One to Two Years
These subspecialists provide comprehensive breast care including surgical care of benign and malignant breast conditions. While this is a field that can be entered from a number of surgical residencies, gynecologists that seek this training are able to provide a broader medical home to their patients by expanding to more complex breast care. Visit www.surgonc.org to learn more.
Global Women’s Health – Two Years
These physicians provide comprehensive generalist care in the context of global resources, outreach, and policy development. They work to improve local and national understanding of global health concerns and often spend portions of their time providing care, working on systems development, and creating sustainable training and curricula in other nations. Visit www.acog.org/programs/global-womens-health/information-center.