Balancing Scalpels and Strollers: An Analysis of Plastic Surgery Training Programs' Representation of Parenthood on
Adina Singer1, Holly Cordray1, Gustavo L Capone1
1Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
Purpose:
As women increasingly enter plastic and reconstructive surgery (PRS) training and leadership, pregnancy and parenthood during residency require greater attention due to persistent challenges. This study characterizes pregnancy and parenthood portrayal on PRS residency program social media from 2020 to 2025 and examines relationships with program gender distribution, region, and institutional ranking.
Methods:
A national cross-sectional study of integrated PRS programs in the United States for 2024-2025 was conducted. Posts were independently reviewed and categorized into 5 types depicting trainee parenthood. Data collected included leadership gender composition, faculty gender composition, current integrated residency gender composition, geographic region, and 2024 Doximity ranking.
Results:
Among 20,651 posts reviewed, 549 (2.7%) depicted resident parenthood. Most programs (74, 83.1%) showed resident parenthood at least once, while 15 programs (16.9%) had no such content. Programs averaged 6.2 parenthood-related posts (SD 7.6, range: 0 to 35). Male residents in parenting roles were most frequently represented (54.4% of programs), while visibly pregnant residents were least frequent (18.9%). Female resident proportion significantly correlated with overall parenthood-related posts (R2=0.06, P=0.02); correlations with leadership and faculty gender composition were not statistically significant. No posts depicted parental leave and only one showed program parental support.
Conclusion:
Most programs celebrate resident pregnancy and parenthood on social media, though representation varies. Greater female resident presence may correlate with cultural shifts more welcoming of parenthood for all residents. Aligning public messaging with stated values and available resources can contribute to cultural change supporting all trainees in achieving professional excellence and personal fulfillment.
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