Reflections on Hospital Departments: Why the OBGYN is a No-Go

In the diverse field of healthcare, one department stands out as particularly challenging and emotionally taxing. Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN) seems to be a recurring nightmare for many medical interns. From witnessing the hardships in the labour ward to dealing with the systemic issues, there are several reasons why many medical professionals aspire to avoid this branch of medicine. This article explores the challenges faced by interns in the OBGYN ward and the reasons why it might be the department they'd prefer to avoid.

The Labour Ward: A Nightmarish Experience

A common refrain among medical interns is their aversion to the labour ward. The experience is often traumatic and may leave a lasting impression. Drawing from personal anecdotes and wide-ranging observations, many interns report being uncomfortable with the repetitive and emotionally charged conditions inherent in the labour room. There's the acrid smell, the painful scenes, and the graphic nature of the work that can be distressing.

One intern, speaking from their own experience, says, 'I can live the rest of my life without going to the labour room or smelling that acrid smell watching a dozen women in lithotomy position some screeching in pain some spurting feces and the residents slapping their thighs. And at the end of all this if it’s a stillborn the look on their face and the wails.... it’s heartbreaking.'

Systematic Issues in OBGYN: from Interns to Professors

The challenges in the OBGYN department extend beyond the labour ward. Dealing with the complexities of this field requires not only physical stamina but also a strong emotional fortitude. The incessant pressure and the lack of proper support can be particularly demoralizing.

Another intern shares their perspective, stating, 'Obstretics and gynaecology is the only department where nobody knows anything, but everybody believes they know everything... The labour ward will be worse than a fish market.. I work in a government setup... ' This reflects a general sentiment among interns that the lack of knowledge and expertise coupled with a false sense of confidence can make working in the OBGYN department a daunting task.

The attitude of post-graduate (PG) students and professors further compounds the issue. There is a pervasive culture of treating interns like slaves, with PGs and professors often holding interns and junior staff accountable for everything that goes wrong. This environment of blame and criticism can be dehumanizing and creates a toxic work environment. One intern writes, 'The bad attitude of PG’s treating interns as slave... Profas also blaming PG’s and interns for everything... It’s a complete CHAOS.... '

Challenges and the Importance of Trained Personnel

It is crucial to acknowledge that despite the documented challenges, the OBGYN sector is vital for public health. OBGYN professionals manage some of the most critical and life-changing moments in a person's life. Whether it's the arrival of a new life or the diagnosis of a serious condition, the role of OBGYN practitioners is undeniably essential. However, for those who find themselves overwhelmed and stressed, the decision to avoid the field is a rational one.

One intern, although struggling, still values the field and writes, 'I like it as a subject, but after seeing the life of the OBG and GYNAE residents during internship, I'd never want to pursue that branch... Kudos to the great work these people do despite such insane and inhuman working hours. It’s really a sacrifice to their own personal lives.'

Conclusion

The decision to avoid the OBGYN field is a reflection of the intense emotional and physical demands of the job. While the sector is undeniably crucial, the rigors of internship can be overwhelming. For some, the experience can be so detrimental that they choose to pursue other fields. Yet, the impact of trained OBGYN professionals on public health cannot be overstated. Understanding and addressing the challenges faced by interns can pave the way for a more supportive and sustainable healthcare environment.