What studies do you need to become a gyneacologist?

The path to gynécology is long and rigorous, requiring in-depth medical training and intensive specialization. This fact sheet describes the various stages of training required to practise this crucial profession in the field of women's health.

The stages of training in gynaecology

To become a gynécologue begins with a bachelor's degree, preferably with a specialization in science. This scientific foundation will be essential for reacute;ussing medical studies.

Après le lycée 

Subsequently, freshly graduated baccalaureate holders can go on to:

• Le Parcours Accès Santé Spécifique (PASS)

• Introduced in 2020 to replace the former Premiées Commune aux Études de Santé (PACES), the PASS is a year of study combining a health major with a minor in another discipline. This structure diversifies skills and offers avenues for reorientation.

• Students are evaluated on the basis of continuous assessment and final examinations. 

• Those who succeed may be interested in the health sector.

• Those who are unsuccessful can reorient themselves towards the stream of their minor before, if they wish, trying their luck again.

• The PASS approach reduces the pressure associated with the single PACES entrance exam while diversifying the student's skills.

• La Licence avec Accès Santé (L.AS)

• Introduced in 2020 in order to diversify the training offer in health studies, the L.AS is a program combining any major (law, humanities, economics, etc.) with a specific health minor (biology, physiology, etc.).

• At the end of the first, second or third year, and if they have passed the minimum requirements, students can apply for health studies. They then sit specific examinations. Depending on their performance, they will either be rejected or admitted to the second year of medical school.

• The L.AS allows students to follow a diversified pathway, promoting skills and reorientation.

Études médicales générales

Après le PASS ou la L.AS (see above), les études générales de médecine se décomposent en deux parts diplômantes: 

• Le Diplôme de Formation Générale en Sciences Médicales (DFGSM) : three-year curriculum (the PASS and L.AS count as the first year) consisting of theoretical courses in medical sciences and clinical internships in hospitals.

• Le Diplôme de Formation Approfondie en Sciences Médicales (DFASM) : A direct continuation of the DFGSM, this is a three-year course that integrates specialized courses and advanced internships in various hospital departments.

Épreuves Classantes Nationales (ECN)

After six years of study to become a gynécologue, the student in the health field takes a national competitive examination that unites all medical students. At the end of the examination, students choose their specialty. The order of priority is determined by ranking.

Spécialisation en gynécologie

Once the études générales de médecine completed, students specializing in gyneacology enter a five-year internship. The course is divided into theoretical and practical training:

• Training théoric : interns follow théoric courses covering the various aspects of gynécology. They attend conferences and congresses to keep abreast of the latest advances and research in the field.

• Training practice : gyneacology interns participate in outpatient consultations under the supervision of gyneacology expérimentés.

In addition, the gynaecology intern must write and defend a thesis in order to obtain a doctorate. At the end of this specialization, and after validating his internships, he obtained the Diplocirc;me dÉtudes Spécialis;es en Gynécologie (DES). After 11 years of study to become a gynaecologist, the student can officially practice this profession. They can also continue their training by specializing in specific fields such as reproductive medicine, gynaecological surgery or gynaecological oncology.

Carriage and professional opportunities in gynécology

The status of the gynécologue 

Young gynécologues registered with the Ordre des Médecins can now apply for job offers as a gynécologue. They will also have to choose under which status to practice:

• Libéral : the gynécologue practices as an independent professional in his or her own practice or in collaboration with other healthcare professionals. They are autonomous in managing their own schedules, choosing their own equipment and setting their own fees. On the other hand, he must assume administrative and financial responsibility for his activity.

• Salaried : the gynécologue can be salaried by the hospital civil service, in health centers or practices. They then have access to state-of-the-art medical equipment and job stability, but have less autonomy compared with independent practice.

Gynécologue practice locations

The gynécologue can choose to practice in various locations such as: 

• Private practices
• Hôpitaux et CHU
• Private clinics
• Health centers
• Institutes
• Research Laboratories
• Humanitarian organizations

In résumé, études de gynécologie are long and demanding. From initial selection via the PASS or L.AS, to specialized training during internship and overspecializations, each step is designed to train experts capable of responding to complex needs.

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