In Australia, all obstetricians undergo the same basic training and are given the letters after their name. However, after basic training, obstetricians may obtain additional qualifications or focus on a particular area of interest.
This means that obstetricians may have different areas of expertise. It’s worth checking whether an obstetrician has additional experience relevant to your situation.
Keep an eye on:
Subspecialist Qualifications: These are OB-GYNs who have completed an additional 2-3 years of advanced training and have been officially certified as experts in their field. There are 4 recognized subspecialties:
Maternal-Fetal Medicine (High-Risk Obstetrics)
Obstetric and gynecological ultrasound
Gynecological oncology (cancers)
Urogynecology (pelvic floor problems and incontinence)
Other Qualifications: If a doctor lists a diploma or master’s degree, they have completed a recognized course in their area of interest.
“Fellowship,” “specializes in,” or “is interested in…”
These phrases can be difficult to interpret because they cover many different scenarios and experience levels. Typically, this indicates that the doctor has some additional experience, but not as much as a subspecialist in the same field.
Research
Physicians who are active in research are generally extremely knowledgeable about their chosen topics. Search for a list of scientific articles they have published, or check the letters after their name for academic qualifications like MD or PhD.
Contact your 3 best obstetrician rooms
Researching online should help you narrow the list down to your top three doctors. Take these names and call or email their rooms. Questions to ask at this stage include:
Is the doctor still accepting patients with my due date?
In which hospitals does this doctor deliver babies?
Does she have any leave booked until my due date?
What are the costs of pregnancy and childbirth care?
Talking to the doctor’s reception team will also give you an idea of how friendly and helpful these people are – it’s actually quite important! Your doctor sets the tone for the office, so if their staff is welcoming and efficient, chances are they will be, too. You’ll also rely on the office team to answer administrators’ questions, schedule appointments, and help you navigate the hospital system.
Make your choice
Now that you’ve done your research, compare your Top 3 to your original list of important qualities. You should now have an idea of which doctor best suits your needs like infertility treatment . Contact the medical practice of your choice and book for your first visit. You should do this as soon as possible, so as not to miss anything.
If you’re still unsure, go ahead and make an appointment for an initial visit with a few obstetricians. There is no problem (other than cost) with following through with an appointment and making your final decision. Sometimes you need to meet an obstetrician in person before you know if they’ll be a good fit for your personality and style. A good obstetrician understands this.
So that’s how to choose the best obstetrician for you – it’s not so intimidating after all!