Understanding Your OB/GYN Care Providers: MDs, DOs, PAs, NPs, and Midwives

With the variety of medical professionals available to you, we understand that navigating your OB/GYN care may be overwhelming. It is important that you understand the roles and qualifications of each of our providers so that you can make informed decisions about your care. Below you will find a brief overview of the education, responsibilities, and philosophies of the different types of providers at WHP.  

Medical Doctor (MD) 

Qualifications and Training: 

• Education: MDs complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of medical school. 

• Residency: After medical school, MDs undergo a residency program, typically lasting four years, where they receive specialized training in obstetrics and gynecology. 

• Licensing and Certification: MDs must pass a licensing examination to be licensed to practice in the State of New York. Physicians are eligible to apply for Board Certification after 1-2 years of clinical practice.  

Role and Responsibilities: 

• MDs diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions related to women’s health, pregnancy, and reproductive systems. 

• They perform surgeries, deliver babies, and provide comprehensive well-woman,  prenatal, and postpartum care. 

• MDs can prescribe medications and develop treatment plans for complex OB/GYN issues. 

Philosophy of Care: 

• MDs focus on diagnosing and treating diseases using medications, surgery, and other traditional methods. 

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) 

Qualifications and Training: 

• Education: DOs complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by four years of osteopathic medical school. 

• Residency: Similar to MDs, DOs undergo a residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. 

• Licensing and Certification: DOs must pass the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) and may also take the USMLE. They obtain board certification in their specialty. 

Role and Responsibilities: 

• DOs provide similar services to MDs, including diagnosing and treating women’s health issues, performing surgeries, and delivering babies. 

• They are trained in Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), a hands-on approach to diagnosing and treating illnesses. 

Philosophy of Care: 

• DOs emphasize a holistic approach, considering the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—in their care. They often focus on preventive healthcare and the body’s musculoskeletal system. 

Physician Assistant/Physician Associate (PA)  

Qualifications and Training: 

• Education: PAs complete a four-year undergraduate degree, followed by a two to three-year PA program that includes classroom instruction and clinical rotations. 

• Licensing and Certification: PAs must pass the Physician Assistant National Certifying Exam (PANCE) and obtain state licensure. 

Role and Responsibilities: 

• PAs work under the supervision of MDs or DOs and can diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, prescribe medications, and assist in surgeries. 

• They provide routine gynecological care, prenatal and postnatal care, and manage common women’s health issues. 

Philosophy of Care: 

• PAs are trained in a medical model similar to MDs and DOs, focusing on diagnosing and treating medical conditions. They emphasize a collaborative approach with supervising physicians. 

Nurse Practitioner (NP) 

Qualifications and Training: 

• Education: NPs are registered nurses who complete a Master’s or Doctoral degree program in nursing, with specialized training in women’s health or family health. 

• Licensing and Certification: NPs must pass a national certification exam in their specialty area and obtain state licensure. 

Role and Responsibilities: 

• NPs can independently diagnose and treat health conditions, prescribe medications, and provide comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care. 

• They offer routine gynecological services, such as Pap smears, contraceptive management, and menopause care. 

Philosophy of Care: 

• NPs emphasize a holistic approach to healthcare, focusing on health promotion, disease prevention, and patient education. They often develop long-term relationships with their patients. 

Midwives 

Qualifications and Training: 

• Education: Midwives can be certified nurse-midwives (CNMs), who are registered nurses with advanced training in midwifery, or certified professional midwives (CPMs), who complete midwifery education programs. 

• Licensing and Certification: CNMs must pass a national certification exam and obtain state licensure. CPMs are certified by the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM). 

Role and Responsibilities: 

• Midwives specialize in providing care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They offer prenatal care, assist with labor and delivery, and provide postpartum support. 

• They focus on low-risk pregnancies and births, emphasizing natural childbirth methods. 

Philosophy of Care: 

• Midwives advocate for a personalized and holistic approach to childbirth, prioritizing the physical, emotional, and social well-being of the mother.  

Choosing the Right Provider 

When selecting an OB/GYN care provider, consider the following factors: 

• Your Health Needs: High-risk pregnancies or complex medical conditions may require the expertise of an MD or DO, while low-risk pregnancies may be well-suited for care from NPs, PAs, and Midwives.  

• Philosophy of Care: Consider whether you prefer a holistic approach (common among DOs, NPs, and midwives) or a more traditional medical approach (typical of MDs and PAs). Do keep in mind, however, that many MDs and PAs also offer a more holistic approach! Each practitioner’s approach to patients is determined more by their personal philosophy than by their degree.  

• Personal Comfort: It’s important to choose a provider with whom you feel comfortable discussing sensitive health issues and who respects your preferences and values. 

Ultimately, the best provider for you is one who meets your medical needs, aligns with your philosophy of care, and makes you feel supported and understood throughout your healthcare journey. You also may choose a provider based on the location they practice and the days/times they are available. Whatever your priorities are, we are here for you!