Day in the Life Series: Perinatologist

Dr. Jacquelyn J. Pelham, perinatologist at Saint Agnes Hospital shares a glimpse of what it’s like to work with high-risk pregnancies. Perinatology is also referred to as fetal maternal medicine with a specific focus on complication of pregnancies or abnormalities of the unborn baby. Some of the complications that puts mothers at high-risk and requires the attention of a perinatology specialist would include hypertension, premature labor and diabetes. In order to become a perinatologist, individuals must obtain a bachelor’s degree and complete four years in medical school, all with an intense science background that includes biochemistry, psychology and physiology at the very least. Upon completing medical school, one must enroll in a clinical rotation and then a two to three-year residency program in obstetrics and gynecology. Aspiring perinatologists also embark on a fellowship program to gain further training and become board certified to practice. Check out the day in the life episode of a perinatologist to see if this is the path for you.