Position Title of Interest
OB/GYN (M.D)
a. What I like about this field is being able to work and connect with patients on such an intimate, personal level. I love the idea of being able to bring new life into the world, a tradition that connects all of humanity for all of time. I love how I can follow up with patients and see the positive effects I have on their lives. However, what intimidates me about the field are the long, exhausting shifts, and the years of training. I don’t know if I have the stamina!
b. My current biology major is a great preparation for medical school. Also, having a strong background in the humanities (such as psychology, English, sociology) can help in this field by strengthening my understanding of the world as well as how to effectively communicate with others.
c. One site you found through your research that can aide you: https://www.facs.org/education/resources/residency-search/specialties/obgyn
d. I cannot take many classes next year besides the standard science track and my electives. However, in my junior year I can complete the St. Luke’s Intensive Shadowing program (it is connected with Muhlenberg). This program allows students to shadow a different division of the hospital for two weeks (including OB/GYN). Then, students are able to return back to a specific specialty for the remainder of the semester. Additionally, I hope to take the Sociology of Medicine in the future, which will give me insight into the workings of our medical system in the US and in other countries.
e. One issue that affects the field of OB/GYN is reproductive rights and societal inequalities that prevent equal access to health care. One practicing OB/GYN describes this issue: “We face several challenges. First, when we become ObGyns, we join our patients in taking on the everyday challenges of women’s health care, reproduction, and reproductive rights. These will continue to be major issues for our specialty. In addition, in our continued efforts to address health care disparities, we must take the lead at ACOG as well as enlist other women’s health care providers as partners. Too often, access to high-quality perinatal, cancer, and other women’s health care is determined or influenced by a patient’s race, residence, or income.”
Another issue is work-life balance as well as burnout. Dr. Wood describes this: “Burnout can be reduced through shared practice models, development of niches within shared practices, and being creative with better incorporating advanced practice providers into team-based care. I sincerely believe that if we embrace new models of clinical practice, the satisfaction for what we are trained to do will improve and burnout will be less a threat to our specialty over time.”
https://www.mdedge.com/obgyn/article/130388/practice-management/what-lies-ahead-womens-health-challenges-and-opportunities
This course has impacted me by forcing me to become more comfortable in networking. I have always been a bit shy and afraid to talk to people, especially professionals. By completing the informational interviews, I feel much more capable in being able to conduct myself in networking settings, while still remaining personable and human. I was glad to have talked to those in medical school, graduate school, and those currently working in the medical field. I will continue to use this network I have created by remaining informed on the changing complexities of the medical industry. Going into medical school, it will be a great advantage to be so well-versed and educated about these topics. I am very glad to have an updated resume and LinkedIn account. I feel like I have my academic and professional goals more organized for the future. I know when it comes time to look for internships or shadowing experiences, I have the skills necessary to network and build connections.
