A bachelor of science in biology is the most popular pre-medical degree sought by an aspiring OB/GYN. The courses required for a bachelor of science in biology degree typically consist of plant anatomy, microbiology, ecology and environmental studies, in addition to core mathematics and English requirements. Another popular pre-medical degree is a bachelor of science in chemistry. The courses typically required for a B.S. in chemistry are organic chemistry, molecular physics, calculus, advanced calculus, and laboratory requirements.
An OB/GYN can expect four years of medical school. The first two years consist of pre-clinical coursework, including profession introductory courses such as health care policy, patient-doctor relationship, medical ethics, physician in the community, social medicine and global health issues. Although an OB/GYN will specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, course work is required on different areas of medicine, including courses on molecular medicine, human physiology, the human body, epidemiology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, human development and human system function.
Clinical practice of approximately two years is required for an OB/GYN after completion of course work. Clerkship opportunities are offered by different medical schools to help a student achieve practice in clinical situations. Students are exposed to different situations in clinical settings such as midwifery, maternal fetal medicine, infertility, gynecologic oncology and urogynecologic procedures.
After completion of coursework and clinical practice, an aspiring OB/GYN is required to complete a residency and/or internship. Either the student or the medical school chooses the internship location, and successful completion of the residency and internship readies a student for complete licensing and medical practice.