The Impact of Plastic Surgery Training on Family Planning and Prenatal Health

Wendy Chen · Benjamin K. Schilling · Eliza Beth Littleton · Kia M. Washington · Carolyn De La Cruz

52 citations0/0 files storedPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery

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Diversity and Career in Medicine Reproductive Health and Contraception Work-Family Balance Challenges

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Plastic surgery trainees who wish to start a family face challenges. This is the first study to collect data directly from residents and fellows to understand issues surrounding childbearing and to propose solutions. METHODS: Following institutional review board approval, an anonymous survey was distributed to all current plastic surgery residents and fellows in the United States. Data regarding demographics, obstetrical complications, parental leave, breastfeeding, and use of assisted reproductive technology were collected. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 307 trainees, for a resident response rate of 27.0 percent. Mean age of the respondents was 31.7 ± 3.8 years, 58.6 percent were married, and 35.3 percent reported at least one pregnancy for themselves or for their partner. Both male (67.4 percent) and female (76.5 percent) respondents intentionally postponed having children because of career. Women were significantly more likely to report negative stigma attached to pregnancy (70.4 percent versus 51.1 percent; p = 0.003) and plan to delay childbearing until after training. Fifty-six percent of female trainees reported an obstetrical complication. Assisted reproductive technology was used by 19.6 percent of trainees. Mean maternity leave was 5.5 weeks, with 44.4 percent taking less than 6 weeks. Mean paternity leave was 1.2 weeks. Sixty-two percent of women and 51.4 percent of men reported dissatisfaction with leave. Sixty-one percent of female trainees breastfed for 6 months and 19.5 percent continued for 12 months. Lactation facilities were available near operating rooms for 29.4 percent of respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Plastic surgery training may negatively impact fertility, obstetrical health, and breastfeeding practices. The data presented in this article provide the groundwork for identifying areas of concern and potential solutions.

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References

2000Parental leave and child health 2018Pregnancy and Motherhood During Surgical Training 2011The effects of maternity leave on children's birth and infant health outcomes in the United States 2012Childbearing and Pregnancy Characteristics of Female Orthopaedic Surgeons 2014Does a Surgical Career Affect a Woman's Childbearing and Fertility? A Report on Pregnancy and Fertility Trends among Female Surgeons 2012Pregnancy among residents enrolled in general surgery: a nationwide survey of attitudes and experiences 2016Pregnancy and the Plastic Surgery Resident 1995The Pregnant Plastic Surgical Resident

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2022The Experiences of Motherhood in Female Surgeons 2021Prevalence of Workforce Diversity Research Among Surgical Specialties in the United States 2024Providing a Safe Pregnancy Experience for Surgeons 2021A Report of Gender Bias and Sexual Harassment in Current Plastic Surgery Training: A National Survey

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