Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialization in Nigeria
In Nigeria, the medical obstetrics and gynecology specialization has become an increasingly sought-after field of medicine. This is a result of Nigeria’s expanding female population and rising demand for services related to female reproductive health.
The specialization has become a crucial aspect of healthcare in Nigeria, with OB/GYNs working in different settings, from public hospitals to private clinics.
In Nigeria, the Medical Obstetrics and Gynecology specialty offers a thorough approach to Nigerian women’s health and wellbeing.
It includes prenatal services, child delivery and postpartum care. It also cuts across diagnosis and treatment of reproductive health conditions such infertility, menstrual disorders, obstetric difficulties, sexually transmitted infections, cervical and breast cancer, and menopausal disorders.
The training to become an OB/GYN in Nigeria is rigorous and begins with a five-year undergraduate medical program. A four-year postgraduate degree in obstetrics and gynecology is required of doctors who intend to specialize on the field after MBBS graduation.
During this period, they gain extensive knowledge and skills in areas such as gynecological surgery, family planning methods, and advanced obstetric skills.
To become an OB/GYN specialist in Nigeria, one must pass the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria certification exams. This certification process includes both written and practical examinations and takes place every year.
Apart from the college certification, it can also be beneficial for OB/GYNs to seek fellowship training in different areas of obstetrics and gynecology, gaining skills in specialized areas for better patient care. These specialist fields include gynecologic oncology, reproductive endocrinology, urogynecology, maternal-fetal medicine etc.
The general health and wellbeing of women in Nigeria is significantly influenced by OB/GYNs. There has been an increasing advocacy for the need for improvement in the quality of healthcare in general and reproductive healthcare services.
Hence, the Nigerian government is taking steps to support and fund OB/GYN programs and research to ensure that more women have access to specialist care and specialist facilities.
How to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology in Nigeria
In other to specialize in OB/GYN in Nigeria, you must undergo the following steps:
1. Obtain a degree in Medicine: This usually takes a minimum of 5 to 6 years of rigorous academic, clinical and practical training in medical school.
2. Obtain a license and complete one-year internship: Following that, you need to complete a one-year compulsory rotatory clinical internship at a recognized teaching hospital, which provides exposure to different areas of medicine, including Obstetrics and Gynecology.
3. Apply for residency training: You can find available residency training positions advertised in medical journals or on the website of the National Postgraduate Medical Council of Nigeria (NPMCN).
4. Complete Residency Training: The Obstetrics & Gynecology residency training program in Nigeria typically necessitates four years of post-graduate instruction.
5. Pass the National Postgraduate Medical College test: To get certified as an obstetrician and gynecologist, you must pass the NPMCN exam after completing the OB/GYN residency program.
6. Seek Fellowship Training: After obtaining certification from the NPMCN, you could consider seeking further fellowship training in specific areas of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Such specialized training could last between one to three years and will provide additional skills to practice competently in a particular area.
To specialize in Obstetrics and Gynecology in Nigeria, aspirants need to attend medical school, complete a one-year internship, apply for residency training, complete residency training, pass the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria examination, seek additional fellowship training, and acquire a specialized certification.
Top Nigerian universities that offer specialization program in obstetrics and gynecology
Many universities in Nigeria provide specialist courses in obstetrics and gynecology. Here are the top five:
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG): UNILAG is a reputable Nigerian university offering a Postgraduate Program (PGD) in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
2. University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN): The University of Nigeria offers a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology that lasts for four years and leads to the award of fellowship certificate of the West African College of Surgeons (FWACS).
3. Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU): OAU has a Residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology that lasts for four years. The program provides extensive training in gynecological surgery, high-risk obstetrics, and reproductive medicine.
4. University of Benin (UNIBEN): It is a residency program that lasts for four years, and at its completion, successful candidates are awarded the Doctor of Medicine (MD).
5. Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU): ABU offers a residency program in Obstetrics and Gynecology that lasts for four years. In this program, students receive practical training in gynecological surgery, high-risk obstetrics, and infertility.
These universities regularly update their curriculum and facilities to ensure that their obstetrics and gynecology programs equip students with the latest knowledge and technological advancements to provide the best possible healthcare services to Nigerian women.
Career prospects for obstetrics and gynecology in Nigeria
OB/GYNs are in high demand in Nigeria, and career prospects in this field are excellent, with ample opportunities in both the private and public sectors.
The following are some career prospects for Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialists in Nigeria:
1. Obstetrician/Gynecologist in Public Hospitals: Public hospitals provide an excellent platform for Obstetricians and Gynecologists in Nigeria. The government has invested significantly in the public healthcare sector to improve healthcare delivery in the country.
OB/GYNs can work in primary, secondary, or tertiary healthcare institutions under the employment of the federal, state, or local government, offering comprehensive, advanced, and high-quality healthcare services.
2. Private Practice: OB/GYNs in Nigeria have lucrative opportunities in private practice as owners of their clinics and medical centers. As the demand for their services increases, OB/GYNs who own private clinics may earn good returns from their investments.
OB/GYNs can provide specialized services targeted at the female population, including women’s wellness, fertility or family planning services, pre-conception care, prenatal care, deliveries, and post-delivery care.
3. Research and Teaching: OB/GYNs can also find fulfilling careers in teaching positions at medical institutions.
4. Government and Non-Governmental Organizations: OB/GYNs can work in the public or private sectors as advisers, consultants, or technical specialists to provide necessary guidance in policy making and program design to improve healthcare delivery to the female population.
Obstetrics and Gynecology is a specialized, highly demanding, yet fulfilling area of practice in the medical field. OB/GYNs can expect to enjoy robust career prospects with competitive remuneration.
Why chose obstetrics and gynecology as a career path in Nigeria
Here are some reasons why Obstetrics and Gynecology can be an exciting career path for individuals in Nigeria:
1. High Demand for OB/GYN services: In Nigeria, there is a strong need for obstetricians and gynecologists due to the surge in female population and the greater attention to maternal and child health needed to checkmate the rate of death and complications related to this.
2. Possibility to Enhance Women’s Health: OB/GYNs are essential in promoting and putting policies in place that promote women’s reproductive health. This career path provides opportunities to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, which is a significant public health issue in Nigeria.
3. Personal Fulfillment: It provides opportunities for OB/GYNs to counsel and educate women about family planning, healthy living, and lifestyle modification.
4. Diverse Specialization Opportunities: This allows OB/GYNs to gain expertise in areas they are passionate about and provide specialized care to women in need.
5. Continuous Learning: This career offers opportunities for ongoing education, research, and skill development.
Choosing Obstetrics and Gynecology as a career path in Nigeria offers opportunities to positively impact women’s health and wellbeing. It provides opportunities to address the high morbidity and mortality rates during pregnancy and childbirth, specialized fields to explore, personal fulfillment, and opportunities for continuous learning.
Summary
In conclusion, the Medical Obstetrics and Gynecology specialization is crucial to female health care in Nigeria. It is a demanding field that requires extensive training, expertise, and skills.
The demand for OB/GYN specialists in Nigeria is on the rise; thereby the need for constant improvement in the field. This specialization continues to make a positive impact on the lives of women and their reproductive health in Nigeria.
