What are the advantages and disadvantages of becoming a gynecologist?

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An advantage to becoming a gynecologist is that employment for gynecologists is projected to grow by 18 percent between 2012 and 2022, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. There are a variety of job locations to choose from - private practice, hospitals, health organizations, and clinics. Another advantage is that one gets to choose a specialty in a particular area, such as fertility, or gynecological cancer, or obstetrics, which can provide different challenges in a career should one wish to try something new.

The disadvantages to being a gynecologist come with the nature of the job. Working as a gynecologist does have some level of stress. At times, you may need to share unfortunate news with a patient and their family, such as a cancer diagnosis or a pregnancy complication of some sort. If obstetrics is the chosen specialty, there will be many middle of the night and weekend calls to the hospital to deliver a baby. After several years of disrupted sleep, this lifestyle may start to wear a bit thin.

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