Choosing a doctor
We have written this blog with some considerations that you may find helpful when searching for the right medical doctor for you.
This information is general only and does not promote a 'one size fits all' approach. Individual circumstances will vary and we understand this information may not be relevant for all.
We also acknowledge that some healthcare professionals may not be available or accessible to all people.
This resource is designed as a starting point to guide and inform you on your healthcare journey. QENDO intends only to promote informed discussions, between you and your health care professional and/or medical team.
Gynaecologists and Obstetricians
According to Collins Dictionary, a Gynaecologist is a medical doctor specialising in gynaecology, which is the management and treatment of patients with diseases of and affecting the (biologically female) reproductive organs (Collins Dictionary, 2022).
An obstetrician is a medical doctor specialising in Obstetrics, which is the management and treatment of pregnant and postpartum patients (Collins Dictionary, 2022).
Obstetrics and Gynaecology are combined to form a single medical specialty.
While the term “endometriosis specialist” does not refer to a doctor who ‘specialises’ in endometriosis, it is used colloquially within the community to identify an OBGYN who has undergone the AGES fellowship. This fellowship provides them the tools and skills to identify and excise endometriosis, among other things.
When you’re searching for a Gynaecologist who has undergone the AGES training, you may find someone who practices both obstetrics and gynaecology. A medical doctor can practice both obstetrics and gynaecology and undergo the AGES fellowship.
Access
There are a number of ways you can choose a gynaecologist:
Ask your GP (doctor) for a recommendation and referral.
Look on the website of your local private hospital
Ask for a referral to your local public hospitals outpatient clinic
ask a friend, relative or work colleague for a recommendation
If you present to an emergency department and are referred to a gynaecology service you will be placed under the care of the specialist on call
How does their training work
In Australia obstetricians and Gynaecologists have completed a medical degree, intern and residency year, and then an additional four years training in the RANZCOG program. To become an AGES specialist this is an additional two years training.
AGES is the Australiasian Gynaecological Endoscopy & Surgery society limited. This society facilitates a two years training program in advanced gynaecological endoscopy, providing doctors with the skills and precision required to identify and excise endometriosis, for example.
RANZCOG oversee the training of obstetricians and gynaecologists and they set the minimum training requirements to perform different procedures.
When looking for a Gynaecologist it is best to look for a doctor who has attained a RANZCOG level 6 qualification. For more information, Guidelines for Performing Gynaecological Endoscopic Procedures. Level 6 is the highest level available and requires the completion of a recognised specialist program such as the AGES fellowship.
When looking for a Gynaecologist consider:
If you want to see a male or female doctor?
Is there a particular hospital you want to go to (not all doctors work at all hospitals)
Has the specialist completed RANZCOG level 6 training? This will be on their website or available by contacting their rooms.
Are they a part of a multidisciplinary team with colorectal surgeons and urologists?
What information is on their website?
Who do you contact for any issues?
How much is their appointment?
Do they have any out of pocket costs?
Are their reception staff friendly?
AGES has also created a patient resource on How to Choose a Specialist Gynaecologist
After your appointment with your specialist, ask yourself:
Did you feel heard during your appointment?
Did you feel they were being respectful?
Were you comfortable with the doctor?
Did your doctor explain things to you using words that you understood?
Were you able to ask questions?
Were your questions answered clearly?
Did they explain options to you?
If they offered surgery, was this clearly explained?
If you were offered surgery, are you comfortable with the cost? .
So what is the hierarchy of Medical Doctors and what does this mean?
If you are accessing care publicly, you will be seen by a doctor in training who is working under the supervision of a specialist obstetrician and gynaecologist.
An intern or resident are junior doctors who have completed a medical degree.
A registrar is a doctor who is training to be a specialist, they vary in seniority.
A fellow is a doctor who is at the end of their training and will be a specialist within a year or two.
When accessing care privately (paid) you will see a specialist who has completed their medical training.
Changing doctors in the public system
If you are a public patient and not happy with your doctor, you will need to discuss your options with the clinic.
If your financial situation allows, you could also see your GP and ask for a referral to a private specialist.
Changing doctors in private system
If you are seeing a specialist privately, you can see another specialist (at your own cost). You will need to get a referral from your GP.
You may be able to discuss what didn’t work to help your GP inform you of an alternate doctor.
What is a referral
A referral is needed to access a specialist both publicly and privately. Your GP can provide this to you and it allows you to claim a rebate from Medicare for your consultation. Please contact Medicare and/or your private health provider for more information on rebates and consultations.