Distinguishing Between OB and GYN

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Tara Neubert Kumaraswami, MD, has spent 9 years as an assistant professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School. Over the course of her time as a resident and medical student educator (as well as director of the school’s obstetrics and gynecology residency program), Dr. Tara Neubert Kumaraswami has garnered numerous accolades, including four Golden Apple Teaching Awards.

Though they are often presented as a single specialty, the fields of obstetrics and gynecology are distinct from one another. An obstetrician (OB) is a medical professional who has been trained in all areas of childbirth, including pre- and postnatal care, as well as medical support throughout labor. To become an OB, individuals must complete both medical school and a 4-year residency program before passing a board examination.

A gynecologist, on the other hand, specializes in the overall health of a woman’s reproductive system. While obvious areas of overlap exist, women typically begin seeing a gynecologist (GYN) as their menstrual cycle begins, and continue making regular visits regardless of pregnancy. As is the case with doctors specializing as OBs, GYNs must complete medical school, residency, and all licensing and certification requirements.

The similar areas of focus result in many doctors pursuing certification as an OB-GYN, a far more familiar designation than simply OB or GYN.

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Works to Prevent Physician Burnout

A graduate of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Dr. Tara Neubert Kumaraswami joined her alma mater as an assistant professor and program director for the obstetrics and gynecology residency program in 2012. In addition to her work at the university, Dr. Tara Neubert Kumaraswami maintains memberships with professional organizations such as the American Medical Association.

The American Medical Association (AMA) recently reported on several steps being taken to better understand physician burnout at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston. Beth Israel began the process by developing a list of 20 areas of focus that could affect positive change in the lives and careers of medical professionals, before turning the list over to physicians to rate the importance of each element. The medical center also conducted a Mini Z burnout survey.

Among the top priorities for the Beth Israel medical team were streamlining the process of credentialing paperwork, offering enhanced training to medical assistants, and providing enhanced child care and family resources, as well as implementing the numerous suggestions for simplification proposed by the facility’s IT department. Since the conclusion of the surveying process, Beth Israel has effectively addressed 11 of the staff’s top 12 concerns and continues to work towards fulfilling all physician requests.

In order to effectively combat physician burnout, medical professionals and industry leaders will need to implement changes in a variety of areas, from placing regulations and time constraints on doctors to embracing new technologies. Physicians can sign up for the AMA’s Burnout Management Tip-of-the Week service by visiting www.ama.org.