Obstetrician vs. Midwife I've heard that people are still using midwives to assist in births. What is the difference between an obstetrician and a midwife? Should I choose one over the other? A physician goes through four years of premedical training and four years of medical school to learn the science of the body. After graduation he or she decides to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology, requiring at least four more years of training. Much of that time--especially in gynecology--is spent as a surgeon. The obstetrical training is concentrated on complicated pregnancies and deliveries. The midwife is trained to assist mothers with normal, uncompli