An OB/GYN is a medical physician with advanced training, knowledge and certification in the specialty care area of obstetrics and gynecology. OB/GYNs provide healthcare services to women throughout the lifespan, including preventative services, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of reproductive abnormalities. The OB/GYN must complete a thorough examination and medical history of the patient. The OB/GYN not only focuses on illness, but also health promotion, and provides patient education on weight loss, diet, exercise, personal hygiene and preventative care for diseases and cancer. The OB/GYN provides gynecological care to women of any age, as well as obstetrical care and family planning to females of reproductive age. An extensive knowledge of both normal and abnormal conditions related to pregnancy and fertility is required. The OB/GYN is skilled gynecological and obstetrical surgical procedures, such as cesarean sections. OB/GYNs may attend deliveries and provide care to the postpartum mother and newborn. OB/GYNs may supervise mid-level providers such as certified nurse midwives, and assistive personnel such as medical assistants. To become an OB/GYN is a vigerous process. One must first complete a 4-year degree for entry into a medical college. After completion of a 3 year medical school program, another 3-7 years of residency in the specialty areas of obstetrics and gynecology is required. Yearly continuing-education is required to maintain licensing and certification. An OB/GYN must maintain medical malpractice insurance, which is not inexpensive. (Copyright 2018 PayScale.com)

Obstetrician / Gynecologist (OB/GYN) Tasks

• Diagnose illness and prescribe treatment for females in the realm of pregnancy, reproductive systems, and general care.
• Offer childbirth, prenatal, natal, and postpartum care of mothers and fetuses.
• Counsel patients on diet, hygiene, and preventative care.
• Examine patients and their medical histories.

For Obstetrician / Gynecologists, busy Dallas offers a higher-than-average pay rate, 38 percent above the national average. Obstetrician / Gynecologists will also find cushy salaries in Phoenix (+16 percent) and Houston (+5 percent). The lowest-paying market is Bakersfield, which sits 14 percent below the national average. New York and Atlanta are a couple other places where companies are known to pay below the median — salaries are 10 percent lower and 9 percent lower, respectively.