OB/GYN in New Zealand

Kelsey Simpson, MS4

Objectives

• Discuss difference in healthcare:• Training • Role of Midwives• Abortion• In vitro fertilization (IVF)

Auckland City Hospital

• MFM: 2 weeks• Participated in specialty and ultrasound clinics • High risk c-sections every Wednesday

• Infertility: 2 weeks• Participated in morning scans, egg retrievals and embryo replacement, and clinic

Training to become an Ob/Gyn

United States New Zealand

- 4 year undergrad degree- 4 year medical degree- 4 year residency

12 years total

- 6 year medical degree- 2 year house officership, 6 months Ob/Gyn- 4 year core training- 2 year elective training

14 years total

Role of Midwives

• All pregnant women are assigned a LCM, majority of the time a midwife

• MFM is a consultant service, additional visit required• Perform fetal cardiac scans, additional anatomy scans, genetic testing

• Postnatally, midwives manage care of non-complicated patients• Once MFM signs off care, midwives oversee remainder of stay

Abortion

• Less taboo topic• Not a strong pro-life/pro-choice culture• Last year: 68,000 live births and 12,000 abortions

• Majority of abortions are first trimester abortions• Elective abortions after first trimester must have documented harm to

mother physically and/or emotionally

• Patient Ms. S G1P0 at 30wga presenting to MFM Ultrasound for additional anatomy scan

• Initial scan showed clubbed feet, growth restriction, and omphalocele• Desired an abortion, began documentation for process at this visit

IVF

• Cost of IVF:• United States: $12,000 per cycle with additional $3,000 - $5,000 for

medications• New Zealand: FREE

• Falls under public-funded insurance plan

IVF Cycle

• Eligible for two cycles under insurance

• If pregnant during first cycle:• Can only continue on public

funding if patient has remaining frozen embryos

• By the numbers:• 5-10 eggs harvested per cycle• 70% successfully fertilized and

grow on to transfer• 33% have frozen embryos

Cultural Experiences

• Great work/life balance• Majority worked 8-5• Only see 5-8 patients per clinic• Time allotted for morning and

afternoon “tea”

• Active lifestyle• Walked everywhere• Children get involved early in

triathlons, surf school, etc.

• Sports: Rugby and Cricket

Kitekite Falls and Piha Black Sands Beach

Waiheke Island

Bay of Islands

Cathedral Cove and Rongitoto

Tauranga and Taupo

Mountain biked the Great Lake Trail

Hiked the Tongariro Crossing

Surfed in Tauranga

Bungy jumping

Summited the Ben Lomond

Queenstown

Kayaked Milford Sound

Biked the Central Otago Wine Region

Summitted Roy’s Peak