Maternal and Fetal Physician - Career Profile |
Career OverviewA maternal and fetal physician is a doctor specialized in Obstetrics and Gynecology and works with women that are at risk for complications during pregnancy. These risks may include expecting multiple babies from fertility medications or naturally occurring multiple babies, older women that are pregnant, or women with a prior history of complications during pregnancy.
The maternal and fetal physician works with the mothers during all trimesters of the pregnancy to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby or babies. Often this includes ordering hospitalization or bed rest and monitoring the mother on an ongoing basis.
The maternal and fetal physician is involved in helping the mother make appropriate and informed decisions with regards to medical treatments and therapies during the pregnancy. Often the maternal and fetal physician must work with women with multiple babies to safeguard the health of all concerned. Usually in these cases the maternal and fetal physician will work in consultation with the Ob/Gyn physician to monitor the mother and babies, only taking over the case if required.
A maternal and fetal physician assists with all aspects of the care during the gestation, including assisting with delivery. The career of a maternal and fetal physician is very diverse, with some completing home visits, having patients come for office consultations as well as working in delivery rooms at hospitals.
The maternal and fetal physician must have excellent communication skills and a calm and reassuring manner. Usually the maternal and fetal physician will work with the husband or partner and family support system as well as the patient.
Maternal and fetal physicians use various tests and assessments to evaluate the risk levels and treatment options for women with complicated pregnancies. They may also use family histories and genetic evaluations to help in determining risk levels and options.
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Career RequirementsA maternal and fetal physician is a fully certified M.D with a four-year undergraduate degree, medical graduate degree, and a residency component. After completing this basic training there is a fellowship program and completion of one or both of the Board Certified Maternal Fetal Medicine and Obstetrics and Gynecology specializations. Most maternal and fetal physician have also completed additional training in high-risk pregnancy management.
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Job OutlookAs women wait longer to have families and the rates of use of fertility treatments and drug therapies increases the demand for maternal and fetal physicians will also increase. The United States Department of Labor indicates that the overall demand for physicians will increase at above average rates for the next several years.
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Career TrackMany maternal and fetal physicians start working for women’s clinics or hospitals and managed care organizations as salaried employees. As they gain experience and contacts within the healthcare community they are able to move into private practice. Some maternal and fetal physicians work with pharmaceutical companies and research organizations on high-risk pregnancies and fertility treatments for women.
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CompensationMost maternal and fetal physicians working for a managed care organization or hospital or healthcare facility in the United States will earn between $225,000 and $275,000 per year. Some maternal and fetal physicians in specialized or private practice earn in excess of $400,000 per year, but these are usually highly experienced physicians in larger centers.
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