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Urogynecologist |
Career OverviewA urogynecologist works with women that have sustained damage to their pelvic floor area either because of disease, injury or issues such as childbirth problems. The pelvic floor includes the muscles, blood vessels, nerves and tissue that form the area around the woman’s urinary system, reproductive system and bowels. Often the women that seek the assistance of a urogynecologist have bladder control problems, pelvic discomfort, prolapses, or elimination problems of the bowels.
A urogynecologist is a highly specialized doctor that takes referrals from family doctors or gynecologists that see the need for specialized services. The urogynecologist must be able to put the patient at ease and discuss extremely sensitive and potentially embarrassing issues with women. Excellent communication skills and a professional and compassionate demeanor are very important.
An urogynecologist usually works within an office for purposes of exams. Some urogynecologists may work in hospital setting or may work specifically with women’s health centers or clinics. Urogynecologists may also participate in research studies and projects either as physicians or as research managers.
The urogynecologist may work with the client on a variety of treatment options including surgical procedures, non-surgical treatments such as exercise, drug therapies or lifestyle choices. Dietary changes and behavioral changes may also be part of the treatment plan. Some urogynecologist may also use non-surgical procedures such as biofeedback or electric stimulation to help patients to control problems with incontinence of either the bladder or the bowels.
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Career RequirementsA urogynecologist must complete the standard training program for physicians that includes a four-year undergraduate degree followed by a four-year graduate degree in medicine. After that the urogynecologist works specifically in an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency for four additional years. Additional specific training in working with problems of the pelvic floor is also required for an urogynecologist.
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Job OutlookUrogynecologists are often referred to women that tend to develop these non-cancerous gynological problems as they age. More and more women are requesting assistance with incontinence and other issues that can specifically be addressed and treated by a urogynecologist. It is estimated that as more specialists and ob/gyn physicians refer urogynecologists the demand for these physicians will continue to increase.
Overall the demand for all types of physicians will continue to exceed the number of job seekers on the market at least until the year 2014. The United States Department of Labor indicates that this trend is largely due to an aging population and increased patient awareness of treatment options.
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Career TrackA urogynecologist has options to move into private practice and to further specialize within the field. Many urogynecologists return to teaching and research, especially if they have had extensive experience working with urogynecology issues and concerns with patients.
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CompensationA urogynecologist makes an average yearly salary of $187,000 to $238,000 per year. Some urogynecologists with extensive experience or in private practice may earn in excess of $320,000 per year.
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