Qualifications

Qualifications

Are you an extrovert? Do you love communicating? Not just talking, but listening, too? Do you like working directly with your patients and occasionally cutting them open? Do you enjoy teaching patients about their bodies, their babies, and ways to have a healthier pregnancy?

You might just be an OB/GYN.

In addition to four years of medical school, you'll need three to four years of residency in OB/GYN and, finally, will need to become certified by The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG) (source).

You should be compassionate about and focused on women's health issues. Studies have shown that optimistic people are more likely to succeed in life, so if you're a gloomy Gail, you might want to go into research or something where you won't bum everyone out. You should also be able to make snap decisions in risky situations and under severe pressure (source). If you hold up the line at Chipotle, follow your dream of being a chess pro.

Your optimism will be tested during almost a decade of grueling work food that tastes like…gruel. But always think of the children. You'll be seeing a lot of them. You'll be seeing them in all kinds of unusual positions, but you won't have to raise them, scold them, send them to their rooms, or even buy them food.