Gender-Based Differences in Parenting Experiences of Surgical Faculty and Trainees

As more women enter surgical fields, ensuring gender equity is increasingly critical to career longevity and workforce retention. Although peripartum complications and pregnancy-related discrimination among surgical trainees and faculty has been well described, limited data exist comparing parenting experiences of male and female surgeons. We aimed to characterize gender-based differences in work-related parenting concerns within a single department of surgery.

An institutional review board-approved, anonymous survey of residents, fellows, and faculty within the department of surgery at an academic medical center was conducted between January and March 2024. Respondents were dichotomized by self-reported gender identity. Groups were compared using chi squared and Fisher's exact tests.

Of the 94 survey participants, 47 had one or more children and were included in the final analysis. Nineteen were trainees and 28 were attendings. Forty-nine percent (n= 23) of respondents were female. There was no significant difference in the number of children between male and female respondents (P= 0.823). Among mothers, 96% (n= 22) had a spouse or partner who was employed, compared to 67% (n= 16) of fathers (P= 0.004). Employed spouses of female surgeons were more likely to work ≥40 h per week than those of male surgeons (91% versus 56%, P= 0.049). Annual childcare costs were similar between the two groups (P= 0.240) and both expressed comparable levels of concern about managing (P= 0.164) and affording (P= 0.722) childcare. Most respondents felt that their careers influenced their childbearing decisions; however, significantly more women reported that having children influenced their career trajectory (P< 0.001). Women were also more likely to feel that parenthood impacted their ability to obtain fellowship or faculty positions (P= 0.006). Although men and women reported similar concerns about how parenthood may impact their performance at work (P= 0.069), males were less concerned that having children would impact the way others perceive their performance (P= 0.007).

Although childcare-related concerns are common in both male and female surgical staff, women more often express concern regarding discrimination related to their parenthood status. Creation of more tailored postpartum support systems is critical for diverse talent recruitment and retention. Future initiatives should implement gender-informed strategies to advance equity in surgical training and practice.