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How difficult is it to get your preferred specialty on match day?
I want to go into obstetrics and fertility medicine, but don't know how likely it is to expect to be able to do so. Currently undergrad, but anxious about the future.
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Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
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Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Hope,
As a college student thinking about med school, I’ve been wondering how hard it really is to get into a specific specialty like OB/GYN and eventually go into fertility medicine. From what I’ve learned, OB/GYN is considered moderately competitive. It helps to have strong grades, solid MCAT scores, and later on, good clinical evaluations and recommendation letters in med school. Fertility medicine, or reproductive endocrinology, is more specialized and requires a fellowship after OB/GYN residency, which makes it more competitive down the line.
It’s a little overwhelming to think about all of that now, especially since I’m still in undergrad, but I’m trying to take small steps early. I’m looking for shadowing opportunities, getting involved in women’s health-related clubs or volunteering, and just learning more about the field. It feels like a long journey, but knowing that it’s possible with the right preparation helps me stay focused and motivated.
As a college student thinking about med school, I’ve been wondering how hard it really is to get into a specific specialty like OB/GYN and eventually go into fertility medicine. From what I’ve learned, OB/GYN is considered moderately competitive. It helps to have strong grades, solid MCAT scores, and later on, good clinical evaluations and recommendation letters in med school. Fertility medicine, or reproductive endocrinology, is more specialized and requires a fellowship after OB/GYN residency, which makes it more competitive down the line.
It’s a little overwhelming to think about all of that now, especially since I’m still in undergrad, but I’m trying to take small steps early. I’m looking for shadowing opportunities, getting involved in women’s health-related clubs or volunteering, and just learning more about the field. It feels like a long journey, but knowing that it’s possible with the right preparation helps me stay focused and motivated.
Updated
Dr.’s Answer
Hi it is important to stay focused and get I to medical school first. You'll need competivie grades and MCAT scores as tou mentioned as well as many volunteer opportunities (perhaps try planned parenthood or other clinics?) and after that applying to residency is a different obstacle to tackle. Keep in mind, you might find another field in medical school more appealing during rotations and switch specialities entirely (which happened to many other students in my year)! My advice is to do everything possible to get into medical school on first try and talk to mentors in OBGYN to help afterwards! GL
Updated
Madison’s Answer
FIrst off, do NOT yet worry about residency match before even starting medical school. There will be PLENTY of time for that in the four years of medical school. For now, I would focus on your medical school applications and that process. IF there is a specific field you are certain you'll be interested in for residency, maybe tailor your resume to that whether through work experience/shadowing/volunteer opportunities/research in the field. Go to conferences and network within the field/major organizations in that field.
Once in medical school, Start early in med school talking to advisors at your school in that field and get their mentorship/advice! Reach out to classmates above you from your school who are applying to/have matched into that specialty and get their advice/help early on. If you know anyone who applied to but DIDN'T match into that specialty, see if they would be willing to talk to you about what they would have done differently/their experience as well.
Remember, Every specialty is different as far as number of spots compared to number of applicants and each year that will always change!! OBGYN is VERY attainable and you CAN reach that goal! REI/fertility is a sub-specialty/fellowship after OBGYN residency so while you could start early to tailor a resume to REI related things, I would first again focus on the general OBGYN match. Take these career steps ONE at a time or it will be overwhelming! you got this!
Hope this helps,
Madison
Once in medical school, Start early in med school talking to advisors at your school in that field and get their mentorship/advice! Reach out to classmates above you from your school who are applying to/have matched into that specialty and get their advice/help early on. If you know anyone who applied to but DIDN'T match into that specialty, see if they would be willing to talk to you about what they would have done differently/their experience as well.
Remember, Every specialty is different as far as number of spots compared to number of applicants and each year that will always change!! OBGYN is VERY attainable and you CAN reach that goal! REI/fertility is a sub-specialty/fellowship after OBGYN residency so while you could start early to tailor a resume to REI related things, I would first again focus on the general OBGYN match. Take these career steps ONE at a time or it will be overwhelming! you got this!
Hope this helps,
Madison