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Surgical Residents' Experience With a Perinatal Resident Policy: A Qualitative Study
Catherine M Wagner1, Mary E Byrnes2, Andrew M Ibrahim2
1National Clinician Scholars Program, Institute for Healthcare Policy and Innovation, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan; Center for Healthcare Outcomes and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Surgical residents support new perinatal policies, finding benefits despite challenges with leave and residency flexibility. These family-friendly policies are recommended for broader implementation in surgical training programs.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Obstetrics & Gynecology
- Surgical Residency
Background:
- A perinatal resident policy was implemented in 2019 at a high-volume academic institution to mitigate poor obstetric outcomes in surgical residents.
- The policy offers schedule adjustments in the third trimester and up to 12 weeks of parental leave.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the experiences and perceptions of surgical residents regarding the implemented perinatal policy.
Main Methods:
- A qualitative study using interpretive description was conducted from August 2023 to January 2024.
- Surgical residents (PGY-2 and above) at a single institution were interviewed about their experiences with the perinatal policy.
Main Results:
- 19 residents were interviewed, revealing themes of tension between board certification requirements and policy, flexibility in residency, and prioritizing personal needs against professional norms.
- Despite challenges, residents expressed support for the policy and believed it benefited surgical culture.
Conclusions:
- Surgical residents support pregnancy accommodations and parental leave, even with existing challenges.
- Further efforts are needed to overcome barriers to perinatal support in surgical residencies.
- Academic institutions are encouraged to consider implementing family-friendly policies for residents.
