Abstract

There is no doubt that the specialty of obstetrics and gynecology lends itself to occupational stress, perhaps more than any other specialty. Demands in regard to malpractice claims and increasing premiums, the need to see increasing numbers of patients with decreasing reimbursement, and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 requirements certainly apply to all physicians and are part of the equation. However, the unique nature of the obstetric patient requires consideration of both mother and fetus, making the balance of management decisions sometimes precarious, unpredictable, and often at 2:00 am; 76.5% of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists fellows have experienced a malpractice suit at least once during their career. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists even has published a committee opinion on stress and malpractice. 1 The psychological distress and emotional impact a medical liability case has on an obstetrician’s personal and family life and medical practice can be tremendous, particularly if it takes several years to resolve. With this constant sword of Damocles above their heads, the issue of occupational stress for obstetricians seems a career-long issue.