Obstetrics and gynecology is a diversified specialty concerned with the delivery of medical and surgical care to women. This field combines two specialties: obstetrics, which focuses on the care of women before, during, and after childbirth; and gynecology, which involves the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the female reproductive system, breasts, and associated disorders. Relationships with patients are long-term and are often maintained through the postmenopausal stage of a patient's life. Obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyn) often serve as consultants to other physicians. In many cases, the Ob- Gyn is the primary care physician, with whom female patients have regular contact and obtain medical advice and counseling. The specialty also offers opportunities to practice other skills such as laparoscopic surgery, endocrinology, and preventive medicine.
Obstetrics and gynecology comprises the care of the pregnant woman, her unborn child and the management of diseases specific to women. Most consultants are generalists but the specialty offers a wide range of sub-specialties, which include materno-fetal medicine, gynecologic oncology, gynecological urology, reproductive medicine and community gynecology.