[Subspecialization in gynecology--pro and con].

To discuss the problem of subspecialization in gynecology is very popular at present. Whether or not a complete separation into the three subdisciplines, (1) materno-fetal medicine--obstetrics, (2) surgical gynecology--gynecologic oncology, and (3) gynecologic endocrinology--reproductive medicine, is recommendable remains unclear. Some authors describe forms of supplementary postgraduate education only, a kind of prolongation of the basic gynecologic and obstetric training concentrating on one of the three main fields. The complete separation, i.e. into obstetric medicine, reproductive medicine, and gynecologic pelvic surgery, has the advantage of a more effective concentration on each of the respective subdisciplines in clinical work and in research. On the other hand, the separation will produce several disadvantages: (a) that which falls between the subdisciplines will be difficult to integrate; (b) the principle of the gynecologist functioning as a primary health care physician for women will be weakened, i.e. his competence in family-planning, pregnancy and delivery, cancer screening for genital and breast tumors, cycle disorders, pelvic inflammatory diseases and the care of postmenopausal women; (c) the lectures will become more split or overloaded with details than at present; (d) the need for a cost-effective and widely available general gynecologic care will not be met, and (e) the opportunities for younger colleagues to have an office of their own will be restricted. The disadvantages outweigh the advantages. The solution might be a combination of the two competitive models: the creation of subdisciplines, completely separated from one another but for a minority only (i.e. to candidates for leading posts in clinics of the tertiary care, university hospitals etc).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)