Family-building patterns of proceduralist and non-proceduralist physicians

Little is known about differences in the risk of infertility, family-building patterns, and childcare habits of proceduralists compared to non-proceduralists. This cross-sectional study examines variations in family-building patterns and childcare habits between proceduralists and non-proceduralists.

From April to May 2021, a convenience sample of medical students and physicians was recruited through social media and organizational listservs to complete a questionnaire as part of the Study of Physicians and Children: Expectations and Experiences (SPACE). Respondents reported their demographics and family-building path, if applicable. All physicians who indicated their specialty were included. Medical students were excluded. The primary outcomes of interest were the rates of infertility and utilization of assisted reproductive technology (ART). Secondary outcomes included family-building patterns and childcare habits. Procedural vs. non-procedural specialties were categorized based on previously published literature.

Including trainee physicians, there were 2519 physician respondents (80.8% of all respondents). The majority identified as women (n = 2246, 89.2%) and as heterosexual (n = 2204, 87.5%). There were 1103 (43.9%) proceduralists and 1416 (56.1%) non-proceduralists. The prevalence of infertility was similar across specialty type (26.8% proceduralists vs. 26.5% non-proceduralists, p = 0.66). The use of ART was higher among proceduralists (27.2% vs. 22.6%, p < 0.01). Proceduralists were more likely to have biological children during residency (38.6% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.001) and to be childless despite desiring biological children (38.2% vs. 35.2%, p < 0.001). For childcare, proceduralists were more likely to rely on nannies (50.2% vs. 41.6%, p < 0.002), while non-proceduralists were more likely to use daycare (60.8% vs. 49.4%, p < 0.001).

This study demonstrates key differences in family-building patterns and the use of ART between procedural and non-procedural physicians. Such discrepancies suggest a need to better support physicians, especially those in procedural specialties, who want to have children by implementing more family-friendly policies.