Impact of Policy Changes and Program Support on Family Planning Goals among Plastic Surgery Trainees
Lauren Gates-Tanzer1, Elena Millesi1, Aparna Vijayasekaran1
1From the Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Global Open
|September 16, 2024
Summary
New policies offer plastic surgery trainees more leave for family planning and lactation. However, over 70% still lack adequate time, with female trainees facing unique barriers. Program support significantly influences residency decisions.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- In 2020, updated policies from the American Board of Plastic Surgeons and Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education impacted trainee leave and lactation.
- These changes extended personal leave to 12 weeks without delaying graduation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the influence of new family planning and lactation policies on plastic surgery trainees.
- To understand trainees' perceptions of family planning and program support during residency.
Main Methods:
- An online survey with 32 questions was distributed to 216 plastic surgery programs in the U.S.
- The survey evaluated trainees' views on family planning, lactation support, and program policies.
Main Results:
- 130 trainees responded; most were women aged 30-34, married.
- 34.6% had experienced pregnancy or childbirth during training; over 70% felt leave time was inadequate.
- Female trainees reported more barriers, including partner status and concerns about co-residents.
Conclusions:
- Updated policies positively impact trainees planning families during training.
- Despite policy improvements, challenges remain in creating a supportive environment for trainees balancing work and family.
- Program support for family planning was a greater influence on residency application decisions than policy changes.
