Definition of an Obstetrician and Gynecologist

Obstetricians and gynecologists are physicians who, by virtue of satisfactory completion of an accredited program of graduate medical education, possess special knowledge, skills and professional capability in the medical and surgical care of women related to pregnancy and disorders of the female reproductive system. Obstetricians and gynecologists provide primary and preventive care for women and serve as consultants to other health care professionals.

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology Certification

To be eligible for certification and maintenance of certification in obstetrics and gynecology or an approved subspecialty, candidates and diplomates must devote the majority of their practice to the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology.

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) certifies as Diplomates those who satisfactorily complete the examination process. Participation in the certification and maintenance of certification processes is voluntary. Standards of certification are distinct from those of state licensure. American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certification does not indicate qualification for all aspects of practice privileges, nor does it imply lack of qualification for individuals who are not certified by ABOG.

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology certification does not confer upon any person any degree or legal qualifications, privileges, or license to practice obstetrics and gynecology.

The privileges granted physicians in the practice of obstetrics and gynecology in any hospital or other healthcare facility are the prerogative of that facility, not of ABOG.

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology does not and cannot attest to the knowledge, judgment, skills, and qualifications of Diplomates related to practice outside of the scope of the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology.

Policy approved on 1/29/2014

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) recognizes that patients have diverse gender identities and is striving to use gender-inclusive language in its publications, literature, and other printed and digital materials. In some instances, ABOG uses the word “woman” (and the pronouns “she” and “her”) to describe patients or individuals whose sex assigned at birth was female, whether they identify as female, male, or non-binary. As gender language continues to evolve in the scientific and medical communities, ABOG will periodically reassess this usage and will make appropriate adjustments as necessary. When describing or referencing study populations used in research, ABOG will use the gender terminology reported by the study investigators.  

Updated June 2021