What does a consultant obstetrician do?

1 Role and responsibilities

A consultant obstetrician is responsible for leading a team of doctors, midwives, nurses, and other health professionals who provide antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care to women and their babies. They also perform surgeries, such as caesarean sections, hysterectomies, and sterilisations, and deal with emergencies and complications, such as pre-eclampsia, haemorrhage, and fetal distress. A consultant obstetrician may also be involved in teaching, research, and quality improvement activities, as well as in developing policies and guidelines for their department or hospital.

2 Skills and qualifications

To become a consultant obstetrician, you need to complete a medical degree, followed by two years of foundation training and seven years of specialty training in obstetrics and gynaecology. You also need to pass the exams of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and obtain a Certificate of Completion of Training (CCT). Additionally, you need to demonstrate skills and competencies in areas such as communication, leadership, teamwork, ethics, and professionalism. You may also choose to pursue further training or qualifications in a subspecialty, such as maternal-fetal medicine, reproductive medicine, or urogynaecology.

3 Challenges and rewards

Being a consultant obstetrician can be challenging, as it involves working long and unpredictable hours, dealing with high-risk and complex cases, and coping with stress and pressure. You also need to keep up to date with the latest evidence and guidelines, and maintain your skills and knowledge. However, being a consultant obstetrician can also be rewarding, as it allows you to make a difference in the lives of women and their families, witness the joy of birth, and contribute to the advancement of your field. You also have the opportunity to work in a diverse and dynamic environment, and collaborate with colleagues from different disciplines and backgrounds.

4 Career prospects and opportunities

As a consultant obstetrician, you can work in various settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices. You can also choose to focus on a specific area of interest or expertise, or take on additional roles, such as clinical director, academic lead, or consultant adviser. According to the NHS, the average salary for a consultant obstetrician ranges from ï¿¡82,096 to ï¿¡110,683 per year, depending on your experience and location. The demand for consultant obstetricians is expected to remain high, as the population grows and ages, and as more women seek specialist care for their pregnancies and reproductive health.

5 Tips and advice

If you are considering becoming a consultant obstetrician, there are some tips and advice to help you prepare and succeed. Mentorship and guidance from senior colleagues and peers can provide invaluable experiences and feedback. Developing a portfolio of evidence and reflection to demonstrate your achievements and learning outcomes can support your career development and appraisal. Joining professional networks and associations, such as the RCOG, the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society, or the British Society for Gynaecological Endoscopy, and participating in events, conferences, and workshops can enhance your knowledge and skills. It is also important to balance your work and personal life, prioritise your health and wellbeing, seek support when needed, and find ways to cope with stress and burnout.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?