Changing patterns in ambulatory care: a more broad-based approach

The obstetrician-gynecologist must assume a dual role in the future provision of health care to women. Not only should the obstetrician-gynecologist function as a consultant for medical and surgical problems peculiar to the female reproductive tract, but also assume a broader-based role for preventive medicine and health maintenance functions. This includes the provision of care which traditionally had not been offered in our specialty. To this end, a summary of preventive medicine measures is provided, including cardiovascular disease, cancer screening and nongynecologic metabolic disorders.