Making the case for an obstetric medicine subspecialty in South Africa
Date
2020-11
Authors
Zamparini, J
Wium, L
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Health & Medical Publishing Group
Abstract
Obstetric medicine is a subspecialty of internal medicine that involves the management of medical conditions that may affect the course of
pregnancy. It is an established subspecialty in many parts of the world, with recognised training programmes and an active international
society; however, no formal training programme has been developed in South Africa (SA) as yet. Medical problems are responsible for
the majority (60%) of maternal deaths in SA and women of childbearing potential are disproportionately affected by medical conditions
such as HIV and obesity. Obstetric physicians would play a complementary role in the care of pregnant patients and could contribute to
improving maternal health and lowering the maternal mortality rate in SA
Description
Keywords
Obstetric Medicine, Internal Medicine, HIV, Hypertension, Maternal Mortality
Citation
Zamparini, J. and Wium, L. Making the case for an obstetric medicine subspecialty in South Africa. South African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology 2020;26(2). DOI:10.7196/sajog.1589