A gynaecologist is a medical practitioner specializing in the treatment of diseases and disorders of the female reproductive system. Many gynaecologists also practise obstetrics, a branch of medicine concerned with childbirth and midwifery. Patients are sometimes referred to gynaecologists by their general practitioner (doctor) or they may choose to go straight to a gynaecologist on their own.
Gynaecologists generally start examining patients before they become pregnant and perform routine pap smears, diagnose sexually transmitted diseases, cancers of the reproductive organs, and perform serious operations, such as hysterectomies.
Requirements
A gynaecologist should:
– have above-average intellectual ability;
– have concern for the health and well-being of people;
– be able to work accurately for long periods;
– be able to make weighty decisions, often concerning matters of life and death, quickly and confidently;
– be responsible;
– be able to empathize with women;
– be emotionally stable to be able to withstand the pressures that go with this profession;
– have excellent health and stamina to be able to cope with the long and irregular hours, which includes constantly being on stand-by on the obstetrics side of the practice.
School Subjects
National Senior Certificate meeting degree requirements for a degree course
Each institution will have its own minimum entry requirements.
Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Sciences
Recommended Subjects: Life Sciences
Training
Note that competition to enter medical studies is stiff and there are usually many applicants excellent marks who would naturally be given preference.
Degree: MBChB – Wits, UP, UKZN, UCT, UFS, US
– Theoretical training: 6 years.
– Student internship: 1 year.
– Practical work at a hospital: 1 year.
– Community service: 1 year
– Post-graduate study for specialisation as a gynaecologist: MMed or FCP(SA): 4 years – e.g. UKZN, UL, UP, UFS, US, Wits.
Additional Requirements: Before commencing post-graduate study for specialization as a gynaecologist the candidate must:
– be in possession of a MBChB degree for 2 years;
– be registered as a medical doctor with the Interim Medical and Dental Council (IMDC) of South Africa for 1 year.
Registration
On successful completion of the examination to qualify as a specialist, the candidate must register with the IMDC as a gynaecologist.
How much do gynecologist earn in South Africa?
An entry level obstetrician & gynecologist (1-3 years of experience) earns an average salary of R1,318,689. On the other end, a senior level obstetrician & gynecologist (8+ years of experience) earns an average salary of R2,631,329.
How much do gynecologist earn in South Africa per month?
A person working as a Physician – Obstetrics / Gynecology in South Africa typically earns around 93,600 ZAR per month. Salaries range from 48,700 ZAR (lowest) to 143,000 ZAR (highest). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.
What subjects are needed to become a gynecologist in South Africa?
- Compulsory Subjects: Mathematics, Physical Science. Recommended subjects: Life Sciences. Additional:
- South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. P O Box 363. Tongaat, 4000. Tel: (032) 340-9041.
- Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) (553) of Hamilton and. Madiba Streets, Arcadia, Pretoria.