I was asked this weekend, what is the difference between an OB/GYN and an RE? I am frequently asked questions when people learn that I work within the field of infertility.
RE stands for Reproductive Endocrinologist. REs complete the same educational and medical requirements as an OB/GYN (Obstetrician and Gynecologist) which is a four year residency in Obstretrics and Gynecology. In addition to the four year residency program, REs complete an additional three years of a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology. REs have special training that enable them to provide the treatment needed for couples facing fertility issues.
OB/GYNs have been trained in two specialities; an obstetrician manages pregnancies and a gynecologist is trained in reproductive health. An OB/GYN may offer services to treat fertility problems. However, when these preliminary tests and treatments do not resolve a fertility problem, an OB/GYN may refer the couple to a specialist, known as a Reproductive Endocrinologist.
If you are looking for an appointment with a Reproductive Endocrinologist, follow this link for a fertility specialist near you. Please let us know how your visit goes.
One Comment
It’s always fascinated me why there needs to be a definitive line dividing OB/Gyn’s who have trained in reproductive endocrinology but have not been fellowship trained. Dr. Geoffrey Sher, Dr. Christo Zouves, myself and many other OB/Gyn’s are extremely competent infertility specialists with a greater degree of skill in doing procedures such as IVF than many of the RE’s graduating from fellowship today.