1. Bachelor's Degree: A four-year undergraduate degree is the first step. While there's no single required major, pre-med coursework is crucial and typically includes extensive study in biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics.
2. Medical School (MD or DO): This is a four-year program leading to a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. Medical school curriculum covers a wide range of medical disciplines.
3. Residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB-GYN): This is a four-year residency program specializing in the care of women's reproductive health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecological conditions. This involves extensive clinical experience and training.
4. Fellowship (Optional): Some gynecologists pursue additional specialized training through a fellowship. This might focus on areas like reproductive endocrinology and infertility, minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, or other subspecialties. This typically lasts 1-2 years.
In summary, the total time commitment to becoming a gynecologist is typically around 12-13 years after high school graduation, including undergraduate studies, medical school, and residency.