A medical professional who practices both obstetrics and gynecology is commonly called an OBGYN. Obstetrics involves a doctor looking after women who are pregnant and thier baby and Gynecology involves a doctor diagnosing and treating issues with the femal reproductive system, hence the abbreviation OBGYN for doctors who practice both.

The path to becoming an OB/GYN can begin as early as high school for young students who are clear that they want to enter the field. At this point they can begin to use added science based classes that will prepare them to be accepted to a Pre-Medical program at a College or Institution. During the process of earning a Bachelor's degree the student will continue to study heavily in the sciences in order to graduate and be prepared to be chosen into medical school.

After graduating medical school the graduate must pass the licensure exam from the National Board of Medical Examiners and then unlike most medical graduates who are only required to complete internships for a year, graduates who prefer to pursue a career as an OBGYN are required to do a 3 year hospital residency.

While completing their residency the graducate often times decideds to continue thier study into related subspecialties like menopausal gynecology, adolescent gynecology, family planning, oncology, reproductive endocrinology and perinatology.

After completing the residency training the graduate can officially become a medical OBGYN doctor upon passing the local state licensing exam in the state in which he or she plans to specialize as an OBGYN. specific doctors decide to extend their education and professional experience even further by becoming authorized by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology

The following are additonal professional associations for which accredited OBGYN's can join or become authorized by:

ACOG- American College of OB/GYN
ISCD- International Society for Clinical Densitometry
NAMS- North American Menopause Society

Upon completion of the exams and being licensed by the state in which a doctor is practicing it is very general for the doctor to either join and existing practice or work in a hospital. It is at this point that many of the doctor's specialties can be practiced and offered as valuable services to their community.

It is not uncommon to find OB/BYGNs who practice different specialties within the same field. So it is always a great idea for patients to consult directly with their doctor to make sure they are comfortable helping their certain and individual needs. For example, should a patient find that she has cancer in the female reproductive organs or urinary tract then she would need to visit and OBGYN who specializes in oncology which deals with both the surgical and non-surgical treatment of these issues.

The topic of family planning can be a difficult one because of different religious beliefs. Depending on the different view points about religion and family planning between the doctor and the patient the conversation may be difficult. So it is essential for the patient to be open and honest with the doctor about her views and at the same time ask many detailed questions about the topics that matter most and identify the right doctor to meet the patient's needs within their beliefs.

Knowing the path that an OBGYN take to become accredited can help provide important information that will aid a patient ask the right questions and find the right doctor for her situation.