Curriculum change in an obstetrics-gynecology residency program and its impact on pregnancy in residency

Our purpose was to determine whether pregnancy was better tolerated by the individual female resident and the program as a whole after changes in the curriculum.

The 1983 through 1992 graduates of an obstetrics-gynecology residency program were questioned to assess the stress experienced by all residents and by the pregnant female residents. The level of agreement to statements expressing support and resentment for pregnancy in residency was measured.

Resentment among residents toward their pregnant colleagues was significantly greater in 1983 through 1987 than in 1988 through 1992. Male residents expressed more resentment toward pregnancy in their colleagues than did female residents, but they were perceived by the pregnant female residents as equally supportive as female residents. The level of stress experienced by the 1983 through 1987 graduates was greater than by those from 1988 through 1992.

Reducing the workload in training programs is associated with a decrease in the resentment of the residents toward pregnant residents and in the overall stress of the program.