I'd like to welcome you to the fourth year electives in Obstetrics & Gynecology at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons!

As you enter into your fourth year of medical education, you may desire to explore a particular area of interest within the Obstetrics & Gynecology specialty that you developed during your third year core curriculum. Obstetrics and Gynecology may deceptively appear to be a very narrow field at first glance. In reality, it is quite broad. The Obstetrics & Gynecology specialty is unique in that it combines primary care, emergency medicine, and surgery in treating a wide variety of patients, both in terms of background and age. This quality of the specialty allows the physician going into the field to tailor their careers to encompass all or just a few facets of Obstetrics & Gynecology practice.

There are several elective options within our division. You may rotate with a preceptor in a particular area of the specialty, including general obstetrics and gynecology, specialized gynecologic services, gynecologic oncology, maternal fetal medicine, family planning, menopause, and reproductive endocrinology. Other options include fourth year electives in Maternal Fetal Medicine and in Obstetric & Gynecologic Ultrasound.

I encourage you to contact me with any questions that you may have. Deciding on a career path is undoubtedly a difficult task and the goal of the fourth year electives is to assist you in that decision. Gynecologists and obstetricians must demonstrate the utmost compassion as well as the technical ability to be able to handle risky situations with a delicate hand and a sharp eye. The challenges inherent in obstetric & gynecologic practice lend itself to an extremely rewarding specialty and career.

Sincerely,
Dorothy Smok, MD