Blog: Inspiring The Next Generation Of O&G doctors

There is a kind of work no rota captures and deciding what to do with your medical life is one of them. For most of us the answer is built gradually: a podcast on the commute, a taster week on the labour ward, an afternoon assisting in theatre, a trainee's answer to "would you choose it again?". The RCOG Careers Day, run in collaboration with the British Undergraduate Society for Obstetrics and Gynaecology (BUSOG), gathered all of that into a single day to inspire the next generation of doctors.

Mr Sujeewa Fernando, RCOG Vice President for Workforce, opened with a welcome that introduced the College as far more than exams and curriculum but a professional home, advocating for its workforce and for the women we care for. 

From there, the specialty introduced itself through the people who live it. Dr Hana Jeetun, an obstetrics and gynaecology speciality trainee doctor and clinical research fellow, gave the trainee's view, describing a typical week's variety, from antenatal clinic to outpatient hysteroscopy, and the opportunities beyond it. Dr Elisabeth Peregrine took delegates' questions on the specialty training programme application process and what makes a great candidate. Dr Claire Hordern spoke on choosing an SAS career and how this can be an attractive career pathway and Mr Richard Peevor closed the morning with the world of subspecialties, from his own career in gynaecological oncology and his part in developing one of the largest laparoscopic hysterectomy programmes in Wales.  

BUSOG's Dr Jenny Clark and Dr Anya Soin then showed students where to begin, from building a career vision board to joining the society's ambassador network and mentorship schemes. In parallel, Dr Brooke Vandermolen and Dr Maddie de Vicq explored opportunities in obstetrics and gynaecology, from paediatric and adolescent gynaecology to sustainable practice. Additional on demand talks from O&G specialist societies were also available to delegates, offering insights into the diverse areas within the specialty.

The afternoon widened the lens. Ms Priscilla Dike and Dr Philippa Corson showed that great care is intentional and built deliberately across teams highlighting their breech clinic as a model of what midwives and obstetricians can achieve together. Dr Farah Siddiqui challenged us to, address subconscious biases and build a fairer workplace. While Dr Tina Verghese reflected on a career, holding clinician, researcher and leader, all at once, and on the privilege of caring for women through every stage of life. Mr Benjamin Black took us to humanitarian settings across the world with Médecins Sans Frontières, opening doors on flexible training and international work. And finally, Ms Amy Keightley's keynote on robotic surgery, drawing on more than a hundred robotic hysterectomies, gave a fascinating look at where surgical training is headed.

Throughout the day, our speakers answered questions from the audience, while live polls gave us the opportunity to hear directly from medical students and doctors, revealing that the strongest draw to the specialty is advocating for women's health.

The speakers were candid about the specialty's challenges, yet their passion and commitment were equally inspiring, and the delegates felt it. "I loved that everyone was just honest about the profession," one delegate said, and another told us that hearing the speakers' stories gave them hope for their own journey.

All talks remain on demand for six months, and my thanks go to Dr Thomas Fleetwood-Law, co-chair, resident doctor and BUSOG Treasurer, as well as Mr Sujeewa Fernando and the RCOG team who made the day run seamlessly.

A final thought for those considering a career in the field of obstetrics and gynaecology. Somewhere in your story is the reason you chose this profession. Return to it often. Come with a vast inquisitiveness and be intentional in all you do; question what passes for normal and set the standard where it belongs. If you choose obstetrics and gynaecology, as we once did, we will be delighted. If not, let women's health remain part of who you are. This is one team, and your seat is already saved.