Compatibility of family life with an academic career in plastic surgery: A European comparison

The growing proportion of women in medicine and shifting expectations toward shared family responsibilities contrast with traditionally inflexible surgical careers. Comparative European data on how plastic surgeons perceive the compatibility of academic careers and parenthood remain limited.

A cross-sectional online survey was distributed via European national plastic surgery societies and academic centres. Items covered demographics, working models, parental status, parental leave, childcare, institutional support, and perceived discrimination. Group differences were tested using chi-square and non-parametric methods; predictors of perceived compatibility were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

A total of 456 academic plastic surgeons from 18 European countries participated (median age 44 years; 54.5% female). Perceived compatibility varied, from 35.1% in Germany to 78% in the Netherlands and 70% in Scandinavia (p < 0.001). In multivariable analysis, openness in discussing family planning with superiors (OR 5.49, 95% CI 2.51-12.05; p < 0.001) and permission to work part-time (OR 2.92, 95% CI 1.40-6.02; p = 0.004) were the strongest positive predictors. Career-related impact on family planning (OR 0.39; p = 0.033) and perceived discrimination against mothers (OR 0.41; p = 0.019) reduced compatibility; actual part-time employment was not independently associated.

Across Europe, perceived compatibility of parenthood with an academic surgical career vary widely between countries. These differences are primarily driven by structural flexibility and a supportive culture than by actual reduced working hours. Normalising parenthood should be treated as a structural prerequisite for a sustainable and diverse academic workforce in surgery.