One of the special characteristics of obstetrics and gynecology is the extent to which social issues and social involvement are both important and available. Obstetrical and gynecological problems often occur in a social context with complex issues of sexuality, violence, marital dysfunction, ethical, community and social issues. These are both challenging and interesting. There are also opportunities to become involved more extensively in the profession through local medical societies and the national organization representing obstetricians and gynecologists, the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada. This Society has many committees requiring effort and involvement and provides continuing education and sets practice standards for obstetricians and gynecologists across the country.
Participation can be very rewarding.
Involvement with the national society also offers the opportunity to meet old friends from residency training, who work in other communities, provinces and countries. The obstetrical and gynecological community in Canada is relatively small and therefore it is relatively easy to maintain relationships over the years. Some have gone even further to become involved in international health. A number of our faculty and some our residents at McMaster are involved with important maternal and child heath projects in Haiti, Uganda and Yemen. Maternal mortality is a huge issue for those living in third world countries.