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Published: 22 Sep 2025
Today’s obstetricians and gynecologists (OB-GYNs) face a shifting landscape: From increasing patient expectations to staff shortages; evolving career models to cutting edge new technologies. The modern world is reshaping what it can look like to build a successful, sustainable, and satisfying life in the field. (And of course, some things just never change — like the long hours, unpredictable shifts, and emotional highs and lows).
If ever you feel daunted as an earlier-career OB-GYN, you’re not alone. And there are plenty of ways to set yourself up to thrive over the coming decades of your career. Enter Dr. Jennifer Boyle, an obstetrician and gynecologist, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts, US and Dr. Allison Rodgers, a reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, obstetrician, and gynecologist, Fertility Centers of Illinois, Illinois, US .
Here, the pair – who both sit on Flo’s expert advisory board – share five lessons they wish they’d learned earlier in their journeys; from building a community to setting boundaries, and staying curious to keeping your cool.
Don’t feel pressure to “find your niche” right away
Early-career OB-GYNs likely don’t need to be told how many directions their work could take. From general obstetrics to high-risk care, or subspecialties like fertility, oncology, or minimally invasive surgery — the clinical paths alone are varied. And beyond that, OB-GYNs can advance in academia, public health, digital health, education, consultancy, or advocacy.
The options aren’t just many. They’re constantly evolving. So give yourself the grace to explore.
“It can feel like there’s this pressure when you come out of residency that you should be ‘fully formed,’ but it’s just not the case.” says Dr. Jennifer Boyle. “You still have a lot of growing and developing to do in your skills and your confidence.”
So instead of locking yourself into a single path too early, Dr. Boyle advises mapping out “mini career goals”: skills or procedures you want to learn or perfect; new subjects you want to develop comfort or expertise in. In other words, take it step by step.
“That’s the great thing about a career in obstetrics and gynecology,” says Dr. Boyle. “Your interests and areas of expertise can change as you practice.”
Lean on your peers and mentors for support
“Obstetrics and gynecology – and probably medicine in general – is a humbling career,” says Dr. Boyle. “There will always be a patient problem that’s really hard to solve, a procedure that doesn’t go as well as you hoped, or a clinical question you don’t know the answer to.”
She stresses the importance, then, of leaning on and confiding in your peers, whether it’s trusted colleagues within your hospital or online communities. “Because a lot of the parts of the job you find so painful are actually universal — and everyone you know has experienced them.”
Dr. Rogers advises learning as much as you can from mentors to boot.
“I recommend having different mentors for different aspects of your work,” she says. “Research mentors, business mentors if you’re in private practice, work/life balance mentors if you’re a working parent.” Medscape’s 2023 Physician Burnout and Depression Report1 highlights that many women and OB-GYNs of color struggle with feeling like they’re not taken seriously in the field — so finding others who have navigated these same struggles can be instrumental in building confidence.
And know that these relationships aren’t simply one-sided, too. “While your senior associates have experience on their side,” Dr. Rodgers says, “you, as an early-career OB-GYN are closer to training, are more up to date on all of the current recommendations and guidelines, and you actually have a lot to teach others.”
Set boundaries, seek balance, say no!
According to that same Medscape report1, 32% of male OB-GYNs and 42% of female OB-GYNs report feeling burned out. It’s no secret that the demands can feel constant — so balance has to be intentionally designed (and enforced!).
“You have one life,” Dr. Rodgers says. “This isn’t a dress rehearsal. And the better you take care of yourself, the better you can show up for your patients.” So she is strict on boundaries: there are certain non-negotiables in her personal and family life, for example, for which she will block out her patient schedule; and she will check emails once a day and refrain from checking them after hours or on weekends.
And when boundaries are at risk of being breached, or you feel you’re at capacity? Say no. “Sometimes requests come from those who may be your senior colleagues, or someone you feel like you can’t say no to — but you can!” Dr. Rogers says.
“You can say no to a committee membership or extra roles and responsibilities if they don’t interest or serve you. You get to choose where your career and life are headed. So be selective — as there is only so much time in your day.”
Take advantage of tools where you can
Today’s OB-GYNs have access to many new digital tools that can enhance patient care and streamline daily work. Don’t sleep on them.
Dr. Rodgers notes that optimizing admin like charting and paperwork with technology saves her a lot of hours, while telehealth appointments now allow her to work from home 20% of the time — another win for work/life balance.
“There are some great medical apps that have helped me immensely,” adds Dr. Boyle. “I use the ASCCP app for pap test management, the WHO medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use, and the ASCVD risk calculator.”
And crucially, Dr. Boyle finds a lifeline in the growing library of patient education tools online. “I love being able to tell patients to track their cycles and knowing that there are great tools like Flo to support them.”
Not only can Flo support OB-GYNs in their treatment and diagnosis by allowing patients to track their cycles and symptoms, but it’s also a 24/7 educational resource at the user’s fingertips — there to help women understand what’s normal and what’s not, and boost their knowledge between consultations.
Keep your cool when communication gets tough
Some of the toughest parts of this job aren’t surgical or diagnostic. They’re emotional. Breaking difficult news. Managing misaligned expectations. Talking through decisions when patients are overwhelmed or upset.
Patient communication can be one of the most important — and challenging — aspects of OB-GYN work. And decades into Dr. Boyle’s career, she’s still working at it.
“I have to remind myself that people don’t always get along,” she says. “Sometimes people have unrealistic expectations. But one of my mentors – a very esteemed OB-GYN who’s now retired – gave me some great advice. He said, ‘What do you do when you’re in a tug of war with a patient?’ … ‘You drop the rope.’”
In other words, instead of arguing, or trying to prove you’re “right,” – and becoming emotionally invested to the point where it can cause you stress and anxiety – “provide the best care you can in the moment and then move on.”
Do what’s right for the patient. Try to empathize with where they’re coming from. But protect yourself and your energy, too.
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And finally: Embrace the rollercoaster
Ultimately, a career in obstetrics and gynecology comes with high stakes, emotional intensity, and a lot of unpredictability. That’s part of the challenge — and the thrill.
“There will be dark times, but it doesn’t mean they’ll last forever,” says Dr. Boyle. “And when things go well, take the time and mental space to be proud of yourself! Really pause and soak in the goodness.”
Success as an OB-GYN in today’s world isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about staying curious, staying connected, and building the version of this career that feels sustainable and meaningful for you.
And most of all, remember that you’re not alone, and you’re doing great — even when it might not feel that way.
Flo is the world’s top female health app, helping millions of women better understand their bodies. See how it can empower your patients and streamline your practice at Flo for Healthcare Professionals.
