School of Obstetrics & Gynaecology

Obstetrics and Gynaecology is one of the most rewarding and exciting specialties with many unique opportunities. It is also a very varied specialty, ranging from the joy and emotional intensity of bringing new life into the world to the problems of mature and postmenopausal women, gynaecological cancers, fertility, control and community gynaecology.

Given the maternal mortality rates in non-developed countries, lives of mothers and babies are saved literally everyday. As the birth rate is rising in the South West there will also be a need for skilled obstetricians and gynaecologists to care for the next generation as well as the present.

Doctors in training can expect to learn basic surgical procedures, including caesarean sections and assisted deliveries within the first two years as well as how to deal with the majority of gynaecological and obstetric emergencies. In the intermediate three years Doctors in training will progress to more advanced surgery, antenatal care and outpatient work as well as taking charge of the labour ward. Special areas of interest are developed in the final two years of training and a few Doctors in training go on to take up sub specialty training to take this interest further.

Training standards are high in the Peninsula, with excellent clinical experience in all the hospitals in the region and rigorous assessment. The majority of our Doctors in training go on to gain consultant posts of their choice and many stay within the region.

Mr Ben Peyton-Jones
Head of Postgraduate School of Obstetrics & Gynaecology