Resident perceptions on pregnancy during training: 2008 to 2015

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Graduate Medical Education
• Obstetrics and Gynecology

Background:

• Investigated resident perceptions of pregnancy support during medical training.
• Compared attitudes over time and across different medical specialties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess changes in perceived support for pregnancy in residency programs.
• To compare perceptions between surgical, internal medicine, obstetrics/gynecology, and anesthesia specialties.

Main Methods:

• A single-institution survey was administered to female residents in 2008 and to both female and male residents in 2015.
• Nonparametric comparisons analyzed Likert scale responses on program support and childbearing influences.

Main Results:

• Response rates were 74.8% (2008) and 50.5% (2015).
• Perceived support from program directors and division chiefs increased from 2008 to 2015.
• Surgical residents reported lower support compared to other specialties.
• Programs with female leadership were perceived as more supportive.

Conclusions:

• Residents across specialties report enhanced support for pregnancy during training.
• Despite improvements, negative stigma persists.
• Female leadership may foster a more supportive environment for pregnant residents.