Advice to the Next Generation
Questions from Our Readers, Answers from Physicians
Question
"Family medicine seems very appealing to me in many respects, all except for the obstetrics angle. I know several OB/GYNs who are burned out or who are leaving the profession, and with the malpractice insurance and long hours that particular specialty requires, it it not at all appealing to me. Is family medicine without obstetrics possible? Will I still be able to get a job if I pursue this track?"
– Susannah Clark, Tufts University
Answer
Yes. Family medicine is a dynamic, primary care field that requires obstetrical training during residency and for certification, but your practice can be tailored to your wishes once you complete your board certification. There is a geographic variation in the practice of family medicine, though. Although there are "Family Medicine" residency programs throughout the United States, combined "Medicine/Pediatrics" residencies are more common in the Northeast. If you know that you do not want to practice obstetrics, consider training in med-peds instead of family medicine. The trade-off is the increased length of residency of med-peds as compared to family medicine (4-5 years as compared to 3 years for family medicine).
– Valencia D. Thomas, M.D., Harvard Dermatology Residency Program, Intern at the Reproductive Medicine at the University of California San Diego.