Female trainees believe that having children will negatively impact their careers: results of a quantitative survey of trainees at an academic medical center

• DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1373-1
• Publication Date: 2018-11-13T12:45:09Z
• Authors: Cindy Kin; Rachel Yang; Pooja Desai; Claudia Mueller; Sabine Girod
• Keywords: Center (category theory)

Medical training occurs during peak childbearing years. However, the intense workload, long work hours, and limited financial compensation are potential barriers to having children this time. Here, we aimed identify gender-based differences in beliefs experiences of graduate medical education. We hypothesized that both genders face significant challenges, but women more likely experience stressors related work-family conflicts. administered an anonymous web-based survey all trainees at academic center. Primary outcomes were gender training. Multivariate logistic regression was performed using independent variables gender, specialty type (surgical vs. medical), parental status. In total, 56% responded (60% women, 40% men; n = 435). Women often concerned about negative impact taking maternity leave on their professional reputation career. The majority expressed concern physical demands jobs pregnancy. Among parents, than men be primary caregivers weeknights require weekday childcare from a non-parent. greater work-related conflicts family Trainees should aware these challenges when making life career decisions. recommend institutions employ solutions accommodate needs wellbeing with families while optimizing workload equity for trainees.