Building support for pregnancy and parenthood in surgery

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On this episode of the CMAJ Podcast, Dr. Mojola Omole and Dr. Blair Bigham explore the structural and cultural barriers faced by surgical residents and early career surgeons in balancing parenthood with their careers. The conversation centers around the points raised in the CMAJ article “Policies to better support childbearing surgeons”, which outlines the need for reforms to better accommodate surgical residents during pregnancy and early parenthood.

The discussion highlights how surgeons experience higher rates of infertility and pregnancy complications, independent of age or other potential risk factors. Dr. Caroline Cristofaro and Dr. Maryse Bouchard, the article’s co-authors, propose solutions such as flexible call schedules, protected time for prenatal and postnatal appointments, and clear institutional guidelines supporting the needs of pregnant surgeons.

Beyond structural barriers, the prevalent culture within surgical departments, such as the glorification of exhaustion and the perception that taking time off is a weakness or a burden to fellow residents, contributes to the unsupportive environment. The co-authors argue that gradual, transparent, and detailed policy reforms based on evidence are necessary to avoid resistance and ensure successful integration into surgical practice.

Dr. Omole’s personal experience, marked by significant support from her department during her pregnancy and postpartum recovery, serves as an example of what a compassionate and well-supported environment can look like. Her story highlights how proactive leadership and peer support can make a profound difference, benefiting both surgeons and their patients.

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