Childcare challenges among surgical trainees and faculty: a single-institution study
Emma G Burke1, Sarah Peiffer1, Melissa Koci1
1Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
BMC Medical Education
|May 22, 2026
Summary
Childcare costs burden surgical trainees more than faculty, despite similar expenses. Managing multiple childcare sources adds stress for surgeon-parents at all career levels.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Surgical Training
- Work-Life Balance
Background:
- Parenthood presents unique challenges for surgeons.
- Childrearing aspects for surgeons require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize childcare complexity and costs for surgical trainees and faculty.
- To assess the financial and logistical burdens of childcare in surgery.
Main Methods:
- Anonymous survey of surgical trainees and faculty at an academic medical center.
- Analysis included male and female participants.
- Statistical tests (Chi-square, Fisher's Exact) were employed.
Main Results:
- Over half of respondents spend >$20,000 annually on childcare.
- Trainees reported higher work hours but fewer/younger children than faculty.
- Trainees (89%) expressed more worry about childcare costs than faculty (46%).
- Coordinating multiple childcare sources is a common challenge.
Conclusions:
- Childcare costs disproportionately burden surgical trainees.
- Support is needed for surgeon-parents across all career stages.
- Managing multiple childcare arrangements causes stress for surgeons.
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