Male and interested in OB/Gyn: Experiences

[Chuck's Right Foot]

I've had a pretty positive reaction from faculty and other students whom I have told of my interest in Ob/Gyn... but I am generally the only guy at MSFC events and the only guy at my school (that I am aware of) interested in the field. Most of my friends are women, so I'm used to being in the minority, but it does get a bit lonely. Any other males out there? What have been your experiences.

A fun story: I approached a dean at our school who is Ob/Gyn and talked about my questions, concerns, etc. She said it appears that male practitioners have a harder time building a patient pool, but the patients tend to be less likely to switch providers. I thought that was an interesting phenomenon.

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[kirurgilaakari]

I've had a pretty positive reaction from faculty and other students whom I have told of my interest in Ob/Gyn... but I am generally the only guy at MSFC events and the only guy at my school (that I am aware of) interested in the field. Most of my friends are women, so I'm used to being in the minority, but it does get a bit lonely. Any other males out there? What have been your experiences.

A fun story: I approached a dean at our school who is Ob/Gyn and talked about my questions, concerns, etc. She said it appears that male practitioners have a harder time building a patient pool, but the patients tend to be less likely to switch providers. I thought that was an interesting phenomenon.

The idea of a male OB/GYN having difficulty with procuring patients, etc is so variable depending on what location you are in, etc its not even funny. True, MOST OB residents are female now days. I am a male, and know the loneliness you are talking about. Sometimes I am afraid I am getting a little too in touch with my feminine side.

Even though the reality is there, that there are becoming fewer males pursuing OB residency (or just more females pursuing it??), you will likely stand out like a sore thumb and will not have much to compete against. Most programs I interviewed at really liked male applicants. One program I interviewed at, had only 3 male applicants to 200 something female applicants. The idea of just being a male makes you less desirable is definitely NOT true.

Bottom line, you just have to go with what you love....even if it means you are the minority being male!

Good luck

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

Bottom line, you just have to go with what you love....even if it means you are the minority being male!

Good luck

That's always the strongest piece of advice for anyone/any specialty.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[Biology101]

I am a male OMS-1 considering OB/GYN and possibly MFM. This is probably one of the biggest question I have tried to answer over my first year in medical school . Suprisingly my school (classmates, faculty, & administration) have been really supportive. No one ever gave me a hard time or thought it was weird, instead they actually encouraged me to follow what I was interested in.

I have come to conclude over the course of this year, that if during rotations and breaks I come to enjoy OB/GYN well then that is probably the career choice for me.

I am trying to live by the qoute "Love what you do, and you will not work a day in your life"

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hrgz68mwX0U&feature=related

Thought this was funny.

 

[sia_simba]

I practice in Brooklyn NY and trust me...the patients don't really care if you are male or female. They just want someone who listen and helps them with their problem. YOu could be green for all they care.

However, different parts of the world is different. If the patient is a foreigner, usually they see a physician as a physician and not by the sex. Its only people who are from the US who are very discriminating, unless for religious purposes.

At a lot of conventions... I still see plenty of male ob/gyn. =)

 

[jvarga]

This topic surfaces quite frequently in this forum so I would search the previous threads to get more input. You can see quite clearly that the majority of people in the field are very supportive of males (as well as females) and that most patient populations will easily support both male and female practices. However, one would be a fool not to realize that males will have to work harder to build up their practices in certain locations (as your Dean astutely mentioned to you). This is the reality of the situation, but the reality also is that you will make a very comfortable and profitable living regardless of gender (the average salary for a full time OB/Gyn, both male and female, will be in the top 2% of income earners in the nation...think about it...that means that up to 98% of US tax-paying citizens will earn less). When considering this statistic, does it really matter if somebody else earns more...why be greedy? In my opinion, you should worry about providing the best level of care to your patients, stay on top of the business aspect of your practice, and the rest will take care of itself. I hate to hand out cliches, but the old belief "if you build it, they will come" still holds true. After all, patients want to go to a physician who will take the time to listen to and care about them (regardless of gender) and not the one who is most interested in making the most money out of them.
Inevitably, you will have run ins with heavily opinionated people who will try to persuade you in either direction based on their anecdotal experiences. In this forum especially, you will find some naysayers who love to use personal experiences in their own microenvironments and try to apply them on a global scale. Be mindful that everyone's (including my own) experience can only be applicable to that individual's own situation and by no means can it be reliably used to predict what will happen to you or any other person that wishes to enter the field. I have known many highly successful male and female OB/Gyn's and I have known several male and female practices that have struggled and even closed due to a lack of business. Bottom line is this: choose your location wisely, always keep the patient's best interest in mind, stay on top (i.e. be involved) of the business aspect of your practice, and work hard. If you do this, you will be successful.
Since I forgot to mention my personal experience, here it goes. I am indeed male and have been practicing for just about 5 years. In my original job search I was turned down by several practices (a total of four) because of my gender, but was offered several competitive contracts by others (I was offered a total of five contracts). I ended up accepting the contract that I felt was the best fit for my family and career goals, which by the way was not the most lucrative (by a long shot). I believe I made the right choice as I am still happily practicing with the same group. Within a year (actually within 8 months) of signing this contract, I received calls from every single practice that had originally turned me down in favor of a female candidate (in addition to 3 other practices that I didn't even consider since it was well known that they were exclusively looking for a female practitioner) to ask me if I would be interested in signing on with them (as their "choice" candidates either stopped working or cut down to a part-time practice). I have to admit that I enjoyed the poetic justice of it all when I informed them that I was no longer interested as I was happy where I was practicing! Since then, I have been offered several other positions with a variety of practices and even have a couple of standing offers in the event that I change my mind. I am not saying this to brag, but just to prove that market for male practitioners is alive and well! I must reiterate, there will always be a market for both males and females in OB/Gyn. Remember that you will make a more than comfortable living as an OB/Gyn regardless of gender, so don't be greedy.
I hope this helps you out and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have so feel free to write a me an IM.

 

[FutureDoc734]

I couldn't agree more w/ jvarga's post - as long as you provide compassionate, humanistic patient-centered care, and don't become greedy, you WILL have a great number of patients coming to you, regardless of age or sex.

Good luck to you!

 

[Geekchick921]

A fun story: I approached a dean at our school who is Ob/Gyn and talked about my questions, concerns, etc. She said it appears that male practitioners have a harder time building a patient pool, but the patients tend to be less likely to switch providers. I thought that was an interesting phenomenon.

I'm not starting medical school until August but I'm very interested in Ob/Gyn (so I lurk on this forum a bit ). I'm also a non-trad and have a child, so I've seen Ob/Gyns for regular well-woman care as well as for my pregnancy. What your dean says doesn't really surprise me too much. I've talked to so many women who were reluctant to see a male Ob/Gyn at first, but loved their male doctor once they did. I was one of them, and I definitely preferred the two male doctors in my last group than the two female doctor solo practices I'd been to before that.

Good luck to you, CRF!

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

SNIP

Good luck to you, CRF!

Thanks for your story Enjoy your time until first year. Nontrads are the best (And we've got to stick together)

 

[HumbleMD]

You have to really like it - dean who is surgeon admitted that OB-GYN residency is harder than surgery.

I'm a boy and love OB-GYN. From what my mentors and male resident friends tell me, gender mostly matters to general patients. No, a woman won't always want to make you their general OB-GYN, but I have no intention of doing so - I'd hate my life if all I did was paps and write contraception scripts (though I do love talking about birth control).

Most women when they have a big problem (infertility, cancer, unplanned pregnancy), want a caring doctor who is excellent, and could care less about the gender of their doc.

As for residency training, it's awful, but men are a high-ticket item and a hot commodity, so you can often get into a better program.

PS, OP, if you're from Pitt, I hope you know Magee is a top 5 program.

 

[Chuck's Right Foot]

PS, OP, if you're from Pitt, I hope you know Magee is a top 5 program.

Thanks for your response. I'm debating Peds and Ob/Gyn and am basically in the best place I could be (given my med school options) for either. I'm a happy camper.

 

[HumbleMD]

Thanks for your response. I'm debating Peds and Ob/Gyn and am basically in the best place I could be (given my med school options) for either. I'm a happy camper.

Peds v. OBGYN is a common conundrum. I was neonatology, then peds surgery, then finally settled on OBGYN.

If thinking Peds, you should totally do an away rotation at CHOP! That or come here to spend some time with the fetal surgery team (peds surgeons + MFMs - think Addison Montgomery, only divided into a team of people).

 

[The OJB]

I'm finishing up my third year rotation and would like to become an OB/GYN. The two community OB/GYNs I worked with during my rotation were men and had great practices. One gave me this pearl of wisdom: if one woman is happy after her delivery you'll have twenty more patients. It seems logical. If a woman gets pregnant, she'd likely ask a friend who their doctor was and how they liked that doc. So, if your bedside manner is caring, I'd think the build-up wouldn't be that slow. Additionally, check out the various practice models. OB/GYN hospitalists are coming into vogue and there may be ways of attracting a patient population sooner than later if you join a large group.The national ACOG meeting just wrapped up, but I'm sure that at a regional meeting or next year's national meeting you can find many young male OB/GYNs and pick their brains for the most up-to-date and peer-reviewed personal opinions.

 

[TSasser]

It's nice how these forums are encouraging and insightful. So many nice people that offer so much advise. I will not be applying to med school for at least another 2 years, but I have been looking at different specialties for a short time. OB/GYN and General Surgery have made the top of my list.
My mother was a childbirth educator growing up so I feel closer in a sense to OB/GYN, but General Surgery is still an interest to me. I have looked at a few local hospitals that offer residencies in both fields and the residents and attendants are mostly female, however it is nice to know that Males are still going strong in this field. Kinda gives a sense of hope

 

[Socrates25]

True, MOST OB residents are female now days. I am a male, and know the loneliness you are talking about. Sometimes I am afraid I am getting a little too in touch with my feminine side.

How many times during your residency did a patient see you walk in the door and immediately request a female ob/gyn? BE HONEST!

 

[styphon]

How many times during your residency did a patient see you walk in the door and immediately request a female ob/gyn? BE HONEST!

As a male family medicine resident I have not been turned away from a birth yet. The male medical students with me have, but I have not. If you want to be ob/gyn, then don't let the negativity change your mind. Some patients will reject you no matter what, I have had pts reject their PCP because of their race, because they were a woman, because they had tattoos, etc etc.

 

[lizzo76]

I was just scanning the boards and this thread caught my eye, even though I have no business being on this forum. This topic is very interesting to me and this is just my $0.02 being a woman and choosing a doctor. I have to say that now that I am an adult and can choose my own doctor, I *ALWAYS* choose a woman. It doesn't bother me if I have a male specialist (endocrinologist, dermatologist) but I am only comfortable with a female primary and ob/gyn. (Race certainly doesn't bother me... of the three doctors I see regularly, all are foreign and went to medical school in India, China, and Myanmar (though did residencies in the US.)) As a teen, though, there were literally NO female ob/gyns in my area, and my mother never once had a female doctor for anything. (Actually, I think there were female primary care physicians, but to my mother, the concept of having your "regular doctor" do a gynecological exam was foreign, so she pushed me to go to the male doctor she'd seen for years.)

So yeah, it can make a difference to patients... pretty much every female I know prefers a female gynecologist or primary who performs gynecological exams. But, it seems to me that older women are totally used to having male doctors and might even prefer it. And, comfort level and what people are used to probably also depends on the region. (Just to add... I'm not uncomfortable in general around men, and in a dating situation, no problem... somehow though for intimate medical care I'm just more comfortable with a woman.)

This question just struck me because it points out how dramatically attitudes have changed in a generation... I doubt that 30 years ago you'd be lonely... it would be the female going into the field who would be more rare!

 

[anonperson]

It's the reality of the business now that females will prefer female providers on average. Nothing really you can do about it. Same goes for other professions. Women will tend to gravitate toward female GI docs for scopes etc.

If you enjoy the breadth of the field, go for it. But just be cognizant of the reality of the situation. Regardless of being a male or not, you should be able to make a decent living due to the procedural nature of the specialty.

If it's not something you want to deal with later in your career, make that choice now. It is completely understandable, but also a testament to how bright applicants are foregoing the specialty because of these ridiculous preferences from patients.

This is coming from a male OB resident.

 

[smq123]

I was just scanning the boards and this thread caught my eye, even though I have no business being on this forum. This topic is very interesting to me and this is just my $0.02 being a woman and choosing a doctor. I have to say that now that I am an adult and can choose my own doctor, I *ALWAYS* choose a woman. It doesn't bother me if I have a male specialist (endocrinologist, dermatologist) but I am only comfortable with a female primary and ob/gyn. (Race certainly doesn't bother me... of the three doctors I see regularly, all are foreign and went to medical school in India, China, and Myanmar (though did residencies in the US.)) As a teen, though, there were literally NO female ob/gyns in my area, and my mother never once had a female doctor for anything. (Actually, I think there were female primary care physicians, but to my mother, the concept of having your "regular doctor" do a gynecological exam was foreign, so she pushed me to go to the male doctor she'd seen for years.)

So yeah, it can make a difference to patients... pretty much every female I know prefers a female gynecologist or primary who performs gynecological exams. But, it seems to me that older women are totally used to having male doctors and might even prefer it. And, comfort level and what people are used to probably also depends on the region. (Just to add... I'm not uncomfortable in general around men, and in a dating situation, no problem... somehow though for intimate medical care I'm just more comfortable with a woman.)

I've noticed that women also say that they don't care so much about male vs. female OB/gyn when they become pregnant. They just want someone that they feel like they can rely on at the time of delivery.

As a PCP, the OBs that I tend to refer patients to are male. Out of the OBs at our hospital, the top two, in terms of proficiency and skill, are men. Unless a patient states that she has a really strong preference for a female, I'll refer my patients to one of the two male physicians. For me, it's all about just finding who will take care of my patients the best.

 

[lizzo76]

If it's not something you want to deal with later in your career, make that choice now. It is completely understandable, but also a testament to how bright applicants are foregoing the specialty because of these ridiculous preferences from patients.

This is coming from a male OB resident.

Why would you call it a "ridiculous" preference? You think that someone's comfort level is worthy of ridicule?

It's not "ridiculous." No one is saying that a woman can do a better job, per se, but I just find that outside of a romantic situation, I am more comfortable being naked around another woman, and having a woman do my pap test, etc.. I also feel more comfortable talking about my sexual activity and any "female problems" with another female. I don't think that's ridiculous. I think it's totally normal for a woman to feel more comfortable with a woman when it comes to intimate things outside of the sexual arena. (And this is coming from a woman who has always had many more close male friends than female friends.)

I've never been pregnant, but I think I'd still seek out a female obstretrician, but I could see how at that point I might care a little less. It seems like more focused care, more about the baby than about me... I might not be expressing myself well on this point, but I can see how the strong desire to have a female doctor might relax a bit in that situation.

 

[jvmed]

______

 

[HumbleMD]

Hi all,

I am a male student attending a top 20 school in the US. I am a third year. I have a low step 1 score - sub 200. Needless to say I had a bad test day and thought I had actually failed the test walking out. But I passed, albeit with a poor grade. I am prepping for step 2 and plan to do well.

I have been going through year 3 and have begun to take an interest in OB GYN.

I am aware that it will be an uphill battle. But I would still like to match in the field. I really like the variety that the field offers and like the awesome balance between medicine and surgery. I am otherwise a decent applicant with research and pubs (but unfortunately not in ObGyn - this was a recently developed interest). I am willing to enter a research based program or less favorable program.

Please give me your thoughts and insight. Thanks for reading; i am eagerly awaiting your responses.

-- jvmed.

You'll probably want to sit down with your dean, and maybe with your OBGYN clerkship director or chair. They'll be able to give you advice based on institutional history much moreso than any of us here.

Speaking from first-hand experience, I think it's an uphill battle. I'm a boy, top 5 medical school, with a mediocre Step 1 score: 230. I got a big fat rejection from Brigham/MGH and Stanford, and second-tier interviews at many other places. These are the things that are going to get you am interview. Research and pubs (which everyone has - in OBGYN - so I don't know if I'd say your "decent") will help you for the rank list.

You shouldn't be "willing" to enter a research-based program, I think the good ones are all but closed off to you. Many have explicit cutoffs of 220 or 200. Less favorable programs will probably be matchable, but only time will tell if we have a number of students scrambling (or now, apparently, SOAPing) this year.

 

[berger911]

You'll probably want to sit down with your dean, and maybe with your OBGYN clerkship director or chair. They'll be able to give you advice based on institutional history much moreso than any of us here.

Speaking from first-hand experience, I think it's an uphill battle. I'm a boy, top 5 medical school, with a mediocre Step 1 score: 230. I got a big fat rejection from Brigham/MGH and Stanford, and second-tier interviews at many other places. These are the things that are going to get you am interview. Research and pubs (which everyone has - in OBGYN - so I don't know if I'd say your "decent") will help you for the rank list.

You shouldn't be "willing" to enter a research-based program, I think the good ones are all but closed off to you. Many have explicit cutoffs of 220 or 200. Less favorable programs will probably be matchable, but only time will tell if we have a number of students scrambling (or now, apparently, SOAPing) this year.

Were your grades average and did you improve on Step 2? I think most people in a top-notch medical school with a 230 should be competitive across the board. And I think your statement about most applicants having research is false and my program director says it has very little merit. Many people don't decide on OBGYN until their 3rd year and it's very difficult to get a meaningful publication in so little time. Also if your research is in another field it really does not matter. Even kids who apply to the surgical subspecialties have research experience and very few were actually publish anything. Especially when most MS4 take a research month to just go through patient charts and have schedule flexibility during interview season. If you do publish something it will only help you, but I don't think it's "standard" for most applicants to have publications. It's also very hard to burst the California bubble. Did you expect to get an interview just because you are as equally competitive as all the California residents or people with ties to the state? There are a bunch of top 20 medical schools in that state. And if you're not going to oncology or REI there is no point in being a research buff. Most residents are only required to do 1 research project during residency. There isn't a huge emphasis on research unless you are certain about a subspeciality and emphasize that in your application. However, remember program directors are looking for applicants interested in an OBGYN residency not an REI/Oncology/Urogyn residency.

 

[obeegyn]

Why would you call it a "ridiculous" preference? You think that someone's comfort level is worthy of ridicule?

I don't think there is anything wrong with choosing a female md, if thats your preference.

I just want to point out that men who do go into obgyn nowadays (last 5 years), where there is a dominant women presence in residency, are different type of men that when to Ob/Gyn say 30 years back. We understand we might not be the preferred option for some women. One of the reasons we tend to work harder, more compassionate and provide good care.

I am not saying female doctors won't give you equal or better care. I, and many of you at this point, should realize that the care you get is not gender specific. But the new age of male obgyn, are a different breed. If you go only a female obgyn, you missing out on some really good doctors -- who happened to be male.

For those male medical students who are deciding between obgyn, and the only thing drawing you back is the thought that you perhaps are a women's second choice. For those medical students I say, you might be the patient's second choice -- but after a clinic visit or two -- the same women will keep coming back to you, and requesting you to deliver their babies for them.

 

[HumbleMD]

Were your grades average and did you improve on Step 2? I think most people in a top-notch medical school with a 230 should be competitive across the board. And I think your statement about most applicants having research is false and my program director says it has very little merit. Many people don't decide on OBGYN until their 3rd year and it's very difficult to get a meaningful publication in so little time. Also if your research is in another field it really does not matter. Even kids who apply to the surgical subspecialties have research experience and very few were actually publish anything. Especially when most MS4 take a research month to just go through patient charts and have schedule flexibility during interview season. If you do publish something it will only help you, but I don't think it's "standard" for most applicants to have publications. It's also very hard to burst the California bubble. Did you expect to get an interview just because you are as equally competitive as all the California residents or people with ties to the state? There are a bunch of top 20 medical schools in that state. And if you're not going to oncology or REI there is no point in being a research buff. Most residents are only required to do 1 research project during residency. There isn't a huge emphasis on research unless you are certain about a subspeciality and emphasize that in your application. However, remember program directors are looking for applicants interested in an OBGYN residency not an REI/Oncology/Urogyn residency.

High Pass in OB-GYN, Honored Medicine and Surgery, Step 2 was in the mid 240s. I thought I would be competetive too, but que sera. I've gotten plenty of interviews at other programs (oddly, I had no trouble in CA besides Stanford), but the rejection from Brigham/MGH certainly stung and made me worried about my application. The point I'm trying to make for the OP is that I don't think there's as many "Y chromosome points" as I or others thought there were.

Enough about my troubles though. I didn't mean to say everyone has publications in OB-GYN. But I think most at least have one "research experience" and the NRMP stats would agree. I'd also disagree with program directors not encouraging fellowships. I've had interviews where it's practically all the PD talked about. This of course is at research heavy programs. These also tend to be the ones with 220 or 200 cutofffs that I think will give the OP an uphill battle pursuing.

OP, what sort of career do you see yourself in? If you just want to be a practicing OB-GYN trained from anywhere, I don't think you'd have trouble. If you want to do a fellowship and become an academic physician, you'll have your work cut out for you with a sub 200 Step 1 score.

 

[berger911]

helps a little but not as much as people say or think. and there is a difference between research experience and publications. most programs don't care bout research experience, especially when people usually spend max a couple of months going through patients charts. now if you have a publication and a project you have worked on for an extended period of time, it is certainly advantageous. programs look for different things. i am a very similar applicant, who whiffed on some interviews i am sure you received and vice-versa.

go learn spanish jvmed every interview i have gone on, people always ask about spanish and they always touch on the heavy, growing spanish population. i think that is a huge perk. same with international experience. some programs i am interviewing at have international electives.

 

[TaraTMD]

Hi all,

I am a male student attending a top 20 school in the US. I am a third year. I have a low step 1 score - sub 200. Needless to say I had a bad test day and thought I had actually failed the test walking out. But I passed, albeit with a poor grade. I am prepping for step 2 and plan to do well.

I have been going through year 3 and have begun to take an interest in OB GYN.

I am aware that it will be an uphill battle. But I would still like to match in the field. I really like the variety that the field offers and like the awesome balance between medicine and surgery. I am otherwise a decent applicant with research and pubs (but unfortunately not in ObGyn - this was a recently developed interest). I am willing to enter a research based program or less favorable program.

Please give me your thoughts and insight. Thanks for reading; i am eagerly awaiting your responses.

-- jvmed.

Third year OBGYN resident here. Half way through my third year in a residency program on the west coast. My first post here, and I know I'm going to get flamed for it, but that's ok.
To the original poster, all I can say is this: it's better that you don't get in. Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of seeing men in obstetrics and gynecology. Yeah yeah yeah, I know you want to "help women" and all that bullcrap, but you have about as much business specializing in womens' health as you do becoming an attendant in a woman's locker room. You want to help women? Start a battered women's shelter. Any spot you take as an OBGYN resident could easily be filled by a female candidate who can care for women's health as well as you can.
There may be exceptions, but patients are generally more comfortable with female doctors fiddling around in their crotch. There is one male in my program, and I've encountered many patients who've requested (to me) not seeing him or having him involved in their care. I've also seen the uncomfortable look on many other patients' faces when he is present, even if the attending is a male. You won't be surprised to know that we have a lot of patients who don't want to see male attendings either. As a male in obstetrics and gynecology, patients may tolerate you (and some of them are dumb enough to mistake this tolerance for happiness with you as their doctor), but they don't love you. Especially the up-and-coming patients who clearly prefer to see female OBs.

 

[berger911]

this is a senseless argument. they have done surveys and studies that show it's a split in preference. however, i imagine it will change some in the future because most females who indifferent about gender of care are usually older and more "old-school." i think it also varies by location. yale is almost 50/50 guys. i doubt those patients have such a strong preference if their residency program accepts so many guys.

is you residency program in a community or academic setting? also if you don't mind can you PM me the institution since i am in the west coast and have many male colleagues going into OBGYN?

 

[TaraTMD]

this is a senseless argument. they have done surveys and studies that show it's a split in preference. however, i imagine it will change some in the future because most females who indifferent about gender of care are usually older and more "old-school." i think it also varies by location. yale is almost 50/50 guys. i doubt those patients have such a strong preference if their residency program accepts so many guys.

is you residency program in a community or academic setting? also if you don't mind can you PM me the institution since i am in the west coast and have many male colleagues going into OBGYN?

Yes there's a split in preference. A very uneven split. Very few women, fewer than 20%, prefer male obgyns while 40-50% of women prefer female obgyns. The remaining 30% or so just don't care one way or the other. This data is very skewed, however, because there are a lot of women out there for whom male obgyns were the only choice (even now, 60% of obgyns are men) and that is what they're accustomed to, and for that reason they may not care one way or the other or actually state that they prefer a male. I'm really curious what studies are you referring to?
This is not a pointless discussion because it cuts right to the core of medicine's lack or respect for patients. A man going into OBGYN is being immensely disrespectful to women. He is putting his interest in the field over women's modesty and potential discomfort with having a strange man examine her privates. A few decades ago this was necessary as there were fewer women in medicine and surgery to begin with and men had to be there to meet the needs. But now? There are plenty of women to do it. Now, a man wanting to go into OBGYN is simply sticking his nose into something that ought to be handled by women. Quite frankly, I think it's a little suspicious.

 

[TaraTMD]

I've had a pretty positive reaction from faculty and other students whom I have told of my interest in Ob/Gyn... but I am generally the only guy at MSFC events and the only guy at my school (that I am aware of) interested in the field. Most of my friends are women, so I'm used to being in the minority, but it does get a bit lonely. Any other males out there? What have been your experiences.

A fun story: I approached a dean at our school who is Ob/Gyn and talked about my questions, concerns, etc. She said it appears that male practitioners have a harder time building a patient pool, but the patients tend to be less likely to switch providers. I thought that was an interesting phenomenon.

Have you once stopped to think about the fact that you have no business being in a profession that deals with women's genitals, breasts, and reproductive organs on a regular basis? Have you ever stopped to consider the fact that most men in the tail end of their medical education have had the decency to figure this out, yet somehow you haven't? There is no reason whatsoever for men to go into obgyn these days. You are about as ridiculous as a man who wants to be an L&D nurse.

 

[berger911]

Have you once stopped to think about the fact that you have no business being in a profession that deals with women's genitals, breasts, and reproductive organs on a regular basis? Have you ever stopped to consider the fact that most men in the tail end of their medical education have had the decency to figure this out, yet somehow you haven't? There is no reason whatsoever for men to go into obgyn these days. You are about as ridiculous as a man who wants to be an L&D nurse.

You are a certified imbecile. Is this what you told the males who interviewed you 3 years ago when they asked if there was anything else they should know about you?

 

[berger911]

OK, OK you win Dr. Tara (you didnt even have to post to for me to know you are a tool; was the MD really necessary in your username?) You should present your argument to ACOG and push for a male gender prohibition! And did you purposely avoid my question? Are you in an academic or community program?

 

[davidjones]

Not an OB but I'm curious how you feel about women in urology? Certainly the same principle applies as males in OB? There's is an even greater differential of preference for male urologists. Certainly you can argue there are some things that are not gender specific on the field, but it is very much a field centered around male health .




I'm in IR and we do many procedures dealing with women's health, most often fibroid therapy and embolization of various things related to OB or gyn issues, should those be done by a woman ir.



For that matter how do you reconcile the fact that even though most women prefer a female OB, most women who have a male OB are less likely to leave and have higher satisfaction. And how about heavy recruitement of men by programs?

Also I'm sure your male colleague and PD would be glad to hear of your behind the scenes activities.

Gender has absolutely no bearing on skill or clinical ability.

 

[guydudcl371]

Yes there's a split in preference. A very uneven split. Very few women, fewer than 20%, prefer male obgyns while 40-50% of women prefer female obgyns. The remaining 30% or so just don't care one way or the other. This data is very skewed, however, because there are a lot of women out there for whom male obgyns were the only choice (even now, 60% of obgyns are men) and that is what they're accustomed to, and for that reason they may not care one way or the other or actually state that they prefer a male. I'm really curious what studies are you referring to?
This is not a pointless discussion because it cuts right to the core of medicine's lack or respect for patients. A man going into OBGYN is being immensely disrespectful to women. He is putting his interest in the field over women's modesty and potential discomfort with having a strange man examine her privates. A few decades ago this was necessary as there were fewer women in medicine and surgery to begin with and men had to be there to meet the needs. But now? There are plenty of women to do it. Now, a man wanting to go into OBGYN is simply sticking his nose into something that ought to be handled by women. Quite frankly, I think it's a little suspicious.

Yay for heterosexism! Because clearly, a man who wants to be an OB/GYN has to be sexually attracted to vagina...

 

[TaraTMD]

You are a certified imbecile. Is this what you told the males who interviewed you 3 years ago when they asked if there was anything else they should know about you?

You're entitled to your opinions as I'm entitled to mine, but reality is on my side, not yours. I'm sorry that you don't like what I'm saying. Obstetrics and gynecology is becoming harder and harder for men. Most men are able to see that they are far less welcome than their female counterparts and have the sense to go into something else. Others aren't too bright, and just don't get it. Or worse, maybe they do get it and simply don't care what patients prefer.

 

[TaraTMD]

OK, OK you win Dr. Tara (you didnt even have to post to for me to know you are a tool; was the MD really necessary in your username?) You should present your argument to ACOG and push for a male gender prohibition! And did you purposely avoid my question? Are you in an academic or community program?

Academic.

It’s not a matter of prohibiting men from going into obgyn. It’s a matter of men having the decency not to join a profession that invades women’s privacy and personal space in the most profound manner when there’s no need for them to be in such a profession.

 

[TaraTMD]

Not an OB but I'm curious how you feel about women in urology? Certainly the same principle applies as males in OB? There's is an even greater differential of preference for male urologists. Certainly you can argue there are some things that are not gender specific on the field, but it is very much a field centered around male health .




I'm in IR and we do many procedures dealing with women's health, most often fibroid therapy and embolization of various things related to OB or gyn issues, should those be done by a woman ir.



For that matter how do you reconcile the fact that even though most women prefer a female OB, most women who have a male OB are less likely to leave and have higher satisfaction. And how about heavy recruitement of men by programs?

Also I'm sure your male colleague and PD would be glad to hear of your behind the scenes activities.

Gender has absolutely no bearing on skill or clinical ability.

There are plenty of urologists who focus on female urological issues, but urology by definition deals with both sexes, as do all other professions including interventional radiology. OBGYN is unique by being the only distinct field of medicine that is purely focused on one gender. I suspect I’d have a problem with female MDs who focus on erectile dysfunction and penile surgery. As for the heavy recruitment of men by programs, here’s my explanation: there are more male OBGYNs than female OBGYNs. And they tend to be in academic institutions where they are more sheltered from the general public’s preference for female OBGYNs. They know what’s going on in the profession and they are trying to keep men in the profession. I’d say that’s why they heavily recruit men. Lastly, I agree with you that gender has no bearing oh clinical skill or clinical ability. But this really isn’t an issue of clinical skill. It’s an issue of decency. Since there’s no need for men to be in OBGYN, it’s simply not appropriate for them to go into it. Like I said elsewhere, a man going into OBGYN is as ridiculous as a man wanting to be a L&D nurse or an attendant in a women’s locker room.

 

[Dotsero]

You're entitled to your opinions as I'm entitled to mine, but reality is on my side, not yours. I'm sorry that you don't like what I'm saying. Obstetrics and gynecology is becoming harder and harder for men. Most men are able to see that they are far less welcome than their female counterparts and have the sense to go into something else. Others aren't too bright, and just don't get it. Or worse, maybe they do get it and simply don't care what patients prefer.

You are really full of it (and kind of sound like an obstetric fascist). And while you are entitled to your opinion your "reality" is not shared by everyone. I've recently rotated at a Ob-gyn practice composed of 5 male docs. The place is non-stop busy and they are not hurting for patients. And while it is true that men are becoming a minority in OB residencies, that does not mean that they are unwelcome or somehow selfish for wanting to practice in this field.

Can you see how prejudice you sound? It's not right (even though it might have some truth in it that women are more comfortable with another female as their ob-gyn). Stop building walls and help open the doors to understanding.

 

[davidjones]

I'm on an elective so I have some time on my hands.

So in your opinion should women in urology be prevented from treating prostate cancer, bph, testicular and penile disorders , pretty much everything unrelated to the ureters, bladder and kidneys, and that which often compromises the vast majority of general urology in private practice?

Should urology practices focusing on these disorders advertise that they are "male" only and only hire male physicians?

I'm just trying to understand your position, because in my experience male OB have been quite good. As an anecdote when my niece was born she had a nuchal cord and for some reason there was arrest of labor (wasn't there so I don't know the details) the female OB sort of decompensated, and her male partner who was thankfully in house performed the stat c-section. While she went for a "breather".

 

[FutureDoc734]

You're entitled to your opinions as I'm entitled to mine, but reality is on my side, not yours. I'm sorry that you don't like what I'm saying. Obstetrics and gynecology is becoming harder and harder for men. Most men are able to see that they are far less welcome than their female counterparts and have the sense to go into something else. Others aren't too bright, and just don't get it. Or worse, maybe they do get it and simply don't care what patients prefer.

Wow. Just - wow. People like you are the reason why other specialties think female Ob-Gyn's are evil.

 

[wannabeOBGYN]

Third year OBGYN resident here. Half way through my third year in a residency program on the west coast. My first post here, and I know I’m going to get flamed for it, but that’s ok.
To the original poster, all I can say is this: it’s better that you don’t get in. Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of seeing men in obstetrics and gynecology. Yeah yeah yeah, I know you want to “help women” and all that bullcrap, but you have about as much business specializing in womens’ health as you do becoming an attendant in a woman’s locker room. You want to help women? Start a battered women's shelter. Any spot you take as an OBGYN resident could easily be filled by a female candidate who can care for women’s health as well as you can.
There may be exceptions, but patients are generally more comfortable with female doctors fiddling around in their crotch. There is one male in my program, and I’ve encountered many patients who’ve requested (to me) not seeing him or having him involved in their care. I’ve also seen the uncomfortable look on many other patients’ faces when he is present, even if the attending is a male. You won’t be surprised to know that we have a lot of patients who don’t want to see male attendings either. As a male in obstetrics and gynecology, patients may tolerate you (and some of them are dumb enough to mistake this tolerance for happiness with you as their doctor), but they don’t love you. Especially the up-and-coming patients who clearly prefer to see female OBs.

What about gay males? Should they also avoid the specialty? They're clearly not sexually interested in women, so can they be ob/gyns? And hey, some women are gay, too. Should they be banned from the specialty? They could make women feel uncomfortable too, if we're operating under the belief that women feel uncomfortable being seen by men because they could find them attractive.

I find the bolded segment above to be particularly offensive. How can you assume that any woman who has a male ob/gyn and doesn't hate him or want to switch to a female is too dumb to know better? That's terrible! I did my third year ob/gyn rotation in an office with 1 male and 2 female doctors with a predominantly young population (therefore outside of your assumption that only older women who had no other choice growing up would like men as their doctors), and guess who almost every patient raved about? The man. I can't tell you how many times I had patients go on and on about how great he was and how he knew everything and he's an amazing doctor and will teach me everything, etc. Were all of those patients dumb? Or were they all exceptions to your generalization that no women in their right minds would ever be happy with a male ob/gyn?

To believe the specialty should be all female is just ridiculous. Honestly, I don't want to go to an all female program. As a woman, I have to say that women can be a pain in the @ss to work with (speaking about other doctors, not patients). I think it is important to have some men around to get a different perspective on things. They're generally less drama-provoking and can be a lot of fun to work with, hang out with, and just be around.

I am glad to hear you're in a program on the west coast, because the farthest west I applied is Chicago and I would not want to end up working with you.

 

[TaraTMD]

You are really full of it (and kind of sound like an obstetric fascist). And while you are entitled to your opinion your "reality" is not shared by everyone. I've recently rotated at a Ob-gyn practice composed of 5 male docs. The place is non-stop busy and they are not hurting for patients. And while it is true that men are becoming a minority in OB residencies, that does not mean that they are unwelcome or somehow selfish for wanting to practice in this field.

Can you see how prejudice you sound? It's not right (even though it might have some truth in it that women are more comfortable with another female as their ob-gyn). Stop building walls and help open the doors to understanding.

Understanding? What does understanding have to do with this? Men in OBGYN aren't being misunderstood, especially considering the fact that they've been running the show for the last century. What's happening is that women are understanding more. They are realizing more and more that they don't have to bite the bullet, grit their teeth, squash their modesty, and spread their legs for some strange man to examine their holiest of holies simply because it's standard operating procedure for a man to be the doctor. Again, I will point out to you that the reality on the ground proves unequivocally that the newer generations of women want female OBGYNs.

 

[TaraTMD]

What about gay males? Should they also avoid the specialty? They're clearly not sexually interested in women, so can they be ob/gyns? And hey, some women are gay, too. Should they be banned from the specialty? They could make women feel uncomfortable too, if we're operating under the belief that women feel uncomfortable being seen by men because they could find them attractive.

I find the bolded segment above to be particularly offensive. How can you assume that any woman who has a male ob/gyn and doesn't hate him or want to switch to a female is too dumb to know better? That's terrible! I did my third year ob/gyn rotation in an office with 1 male and 2 female doctors with a predominantly young population (therefore outside of your assumption that only older women who had no other choice growing up would like men as their doctors), and guess who almost every patient raved about? The man. I can't tell you how many times I had patients go on and on about how great he was and how he knew everything and he's an amazing doctor and will teach me everything, etc. Were all of those patients dumb? Or were they all exceptions to your generalization that no women in their right minds would ever be happy with a male ob/gyn?

To believe the specialty should be all female is just ridiculous. Honestly, I don't want to go to an all female program. As a woman, I have to say that women can be a pain in the @ss to work with (speaking about other doctors, not patients). I think it is important to have some men around to get a different perspective on things. They're generally less drama-provoking and can be a lot of fun to work with, hang out with, and just be around.

I am glad to hear you're in a program on the west coast, because the farthest west I applied is Chicago and I would not want to end up working with you.

Tell ya what.... when lesbian OBGYNs start becoming commonplace the way heterosexual male OBGYNs are, then maybe I'll dignify your idiotic comparison with a response. As for gay males, why should they avoid OBGYN? If anything, as a woman I'd be inclined to trust a gay male to behave professionally and think professionally when examining me. With regard to patients who love their male OBGYNs, let me remind you that there are people out there who love brussels sprouts, and others who adore liver and onions. They are the exception to the rule who will swear by these foods. As I'm approaching the end of my residency and looking for jobs, I cannot tell you how many female-only OBGYN practices there are out there. Could you imagine such a thing being a selling-point for any business if it weren't a legitimate advantage? From college to medical school I've moved twice, and have found (as most women have) that it's far more difficult to schedule appointments with female OBs because their schedules are booked while their male co-workers' schedules have plenty of openings. Lastly, cut the crap with that "different perspective" nonsense. Leave that BS for the liberal arts, and not the sciences. A male "perspective" on obstetrics and gynecology is so ridiculous that it's almost, almost an oxymoron. What kind of "perspective" would a man bring to the care of women? His own personal experience? Hardly. His ability to empathize with women? Not a chance. His superior medical knowledge? Like hell. The only "perspective" men add to OBGYN is a potentially sexual one. And you know it happens.

 

[Dotsero]

Tell ya what.... when lesbian OBGYNs start becoming commonplace the way heterosexual male OBGYNs are, then maybe I’ll dignify your idiotic comparison with a response. As for gay males, why should they avoid OBGYN? If anything, as a woman I’d be inclined to trust a gay male to behave professionally and think professionally when examining me. With regard to patients who love their male OBGYNs, let me remind you that there are people out there who love brussels sprouts, and others who adore liver and onions. They are the exception to the rule who will swear by these foods. As I’m approaching the end of my residency and looking for jobs, I cannot tell you how many female-only OBGYN practices there are out there. Could you imagine such a thing being a selling-point for any business if it weren’t a legitimate advantage? From college to medical school I’ve moved twice, and have found (as most women have) that it’s far more difficult to schedule appointments with female OBs because their schedules are booked while their male co-workers’ schedules have plenty of openings. Lastly, cut the crap with that “different perspective” nonsense. Leave that BS for the liberal arts, and not the sciences. A male “perspective” on obstetrics and gynecology is so ridiculous that it’s almost, almost an oxymoron. What kind of “perspective” would a man bring to the care of women? His own personal experience? Hardly. His ability to empathize with women? Not a chance. His superior medical knowledge? Like hell. The only “perspective” men add to OBGYN is a potentially sexual one. And you know it happens.

You are just plain scary....

 

[wannabeOBGYN]

Tell ya what.... when lesbian OBGYNs start becoming commonplace the way heterosexual male OBGYNs are, then maybe I’ll dignify your idiotic comparison with a response. As for gay males, why should they avoid OBGYN? If anything, as a woman I’d be inclined to trust a gay male to behave professionally and think professionally when examining me. With regard to patients who love their male OBGYNs, let me remind you that there are people out there who love brussels sprouts, and others who adore liver and onions. They are the exception to the rule who will swear by these foods. As I’m approaching the end of my residency and looking for jobs, I cannot tell you how many female-only OBGYN practices there are out there. Could you imagine such a thing being a selling-point for any business if it weren’t a legitimate advantage? From college to medical school I’ve moved twice, and have found (as most women have) that it’s far more difficult to schedule appointments with female OBs because their schedules are booked while their male co-workers’ schedules have plenty of openings. Lastly, cut the crap with that “different perspective” nonsense. Leave that BS for the liberal arts, and not the sciences. A male “perspective” on obstetrics and gynecology is so ridiculous that it’s almost, almost an oxymoron. What kind of “perspective” would a man bring to the care of women? His own personal experience? Hardly. His ability to empathize with women? Not a chance. His superior medical knowledge? Like hell. The only “perspective” men add to OBGYN is a potentially sexual one. And you know it happens.

I met a pretty good number of lesbian residents at my interviews. Just FYI. Better watch out next time you lay down on the table. Some of those west coast states allow gay marriage so that ring on your female ob/gyn's finger may not mean she is guaranteed against thinking "unholy" thoughts about you...

 

[berger911]

Understanding? What does understanding have to do with this? Men in OBGYN aren't being misunderstood, especially considering the fact that they’ve been running the show for the last century. What's happening is that women are understanding more. They are realizing more and more that they don't have to bite the bullet, grit their teeth, squash their modesty, and spread their legs for some strange man to examine their holiest of holies simply because it’s standard operating procedure for a man to be the doctor. Again, I will point out to you that the reality on the ground proves unequivocally that the newer generations of women want female OBGYNs.

You are a horrible writer.

 

[TaraTMD]

I met a pretty good number of lesbian residents at my interviews. Just FYI. Better watch out next time you lay down on the table. Some of those west coast states allow gay marriage so that ring on your female ob/gyn's finger may not mean she is guaranteed against thinking "unholy" thoughts about you...

Playing the odds, there's a much higher chance that my female obgyn doesn't have unprofessional thoughts while examining me than a male obgyn does. Even if she were a lesbian, that would hold true. I'm not a fan of being politically correct (and I will not let you male obgyn residents hide behind it) so I'm going to say what we all know: men have a much stronger sex drive, and putting them in a job where they see female sexual organs on a regular basis is sure to arouse them in some way.

 

[TaraTMD]

You are really full of it (and kind of sound like an obstetric fascist). And while you are entitled to your opinion your "reality" is not shared by everyone. I've recently rotated at a Ob-gyn practice composed of 5 male docs. The place is non-stop busy and they are not hurting for patients. And while it is true that men are becoming a minority in OB residencies, that does not mean that they are unwelcome or somehow selfish for wanting to practice in this field.

Can you see how prejudice you sound? It's not right (even though it might have some truth in it that women are more comfortable with another female as their ob-gyn). Stop building walls and help open the doors to understanding.

I once encountered a male obgyn that had female patients waiting in a line at his office at six in the morning waiting to see him because he was so awesome and blah blah blah blah. Spare us your anecdotes. They are meaningless because they are the exception, not the rule.
You're calling me prejudiced? You're saying I'm prejudiced against men because I don't believe that they should work in a profession where they exclusively deal with female health issues and routinely perform exams on female sexual and reproductive organs?

 

[davidjones]

So if you're not politically correct would you then agree because of physical gender differences women are less equipped to perform long, physically demanding surgeries such as those often seen in oncology then men?

How about women physicians getting paid less because they are more likely to take longer time off after having kids and are more likely to work less hours than their male counterparts?

I found both of the arguments above abhorrent, just like your opinion on male OB docs; but both of those are quite prevalent in medicine?

I'm not sure what personal vendetta you have against your male colleagues, perhaps you'd care to elaborate?