Caring for two lives at once

Women’s health is not a job for a man, nor is it for a woman, writes obstetrician Shavi Fernando.

Obstetrician and gynaecologist Shavi Fernando with his two patients and their family.

When I entered medical school, obstetrics and gynaecology was not even on my radar. This all changed the first time I brought a baby into the world. It was exhilarating. Being trusted to be part of such a personal moment in a family’s journey is an amazing feeling, and one that I still believe cannot easily be matched. In obstetrics, we take responsibility for our patients and their babies at the same time. No other medical field looks after two (or more) lives at once.

When I was a medical student, it never crossed my mind that my gender could have any impact on my ability to be a compassionate, woman-centred obstetrician and gynaecologist. I never considered my gender would hamper my chances of success in any field. I was brought up to believe that by working hard and being kind, I could achieve great things; I still believe this.

Others have occasionally asked me, “Is it difficult being a male obstetrician?” To which I reply, “I imagine it is no more or less difficult than being a female obstetrician.” In general, while it can take longer for a male obstetrician and gynaecologist in ­private practice to become established, I have found that most women don’t consider gender to outweigh truly important attributes such as integrity, honesty, ­respect and skill.

Friends who are not from a medical background sometimes ask, “Does it feel strange looking at vaginas all day when you are a guy?” This is a common question posed by non-medics and displays a dangerous misunderstanding of our profession. To us, a vagina, and all reproductive organs, are simply another body system, no different to a heart or a brain or the lungs. But there is a difference. We are trained and skilled in treating not just complicated conditions that can arise from the reproductive system but also expected ones such as pregnancy.

I am proud that I am equipped with the skills to help women and their babies during what may be one of the most frighteningly exciting times in their lives. I am proud of the joy I feel every time I help a baby come into this world and see the exaltation on the faces of new parents. There have been many occasions where the new father cries (proper bawling), and this brings me close to tears. I am proud women feel comfortable openly discussing with me what may be considered very private details around their sexual history. I am proud of my ability to approach serious and personal issues with tact, confidence and respect.

Women’s health is not a job for a man, nor is it for a woman. Women’s health is a job for someone who is committed to compassionate care for women. It is a job for someone who cares about saving the lives of mothers and babies on a regular basis. Someone who can remain composed when all hell breaks loose. Who is willing to sacrifice family time and a social life for the betterment of others. And someone who can accept the rare heartache and very low lows that can come as a consequence of pregnancy.

I am proud of the women that I have had the honour of caring for thus far in my career. Thank you for putting your trust in me.

Shavi Fernando is an obstetrician and gynaecologist based in Melbourne.