In the UK the popularity of our speciality is falling fast. Ten years ago 5% of all graduates wanted to specialise in O&G but this dropped to 3% in 2002 and is now estimated at 2%. This is way below the numbers required to maintain staffing levels, especially with consultants becoming increasingly required on labour wards.
Long hours and the exercising of “patients’ rights” in declining students’ presence are noted by the Royal College as disincentives to choosing O&G. Foreign doctors are being looked to as numbers dwindle (Brettingham BMJ 2006;332:323).
