Should obstetrics and gynaecology be separate specialities? A survey of Yorkshire trainees.

A questionnaire was given to trainees attending the Yorkshire Modular training programme to determine their views on separating obstetrics and gynaecology. A total of 73 questionnaires were collected; 34% of participants were junior grade (SHO), 65% were middle grade (SpR, LAT, SSHO) and 30% of participants were male. A total of 42% of participants wanted to work in gynaecology only; 28% of participants wanted to work in obstetrics only; and only 23% wanted a combined practice. The primary reasons to prefer gynaecology was more job satisfaction than in obstetrics and better social hours of work (100%). All of the 28% of participants who wanted to work in obstetrics only, thought it is more rewarding and 100% enjoyed the challenge. In conclusion, perhaps separating obstetrics and gynaecology will make both specialties more attractive, as individuals would not be compelled to practice both. There is a possibility that this might result in better recruitment and retention in both specialities.