Parenting in Surgery

The Boston Medical Center (BMC) General Surgery Residency Program believes that investment in our trainees as future surgeons should include investment in preservation of their health. The BMC Department of Surgery acknowledges that fertility, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the demands of new parenting can be challenging for anyone, especially when balancing surgical training. We have therefore created the following set of policies and guidelines to ease some of the difficulty of balancing surgical training with family building, to foster open communication, and to support our trainees. Supporting a healthy pregnancy and delivery for parent and child paves the way for easier transition back to work — both mentally and physically — for the parent-trainee. From pre- conception to postpartum recovery to lactation and return to work, we support guidelines and policies that mitigate the well-established increased risk found to impact surgical residents in fertility, pregnancy loss, pregnancy outcomes, lactation, and bonding as well as mental health for trainees and attrition. Support from the Department of Surgery through these guidelines/policies and in practice will make clear that the department cares about the wellbeing of trainees and their families.

Pregnancy in Training

  • Schedule modifications to prevent 24-hour call in the third trimester 
  • Schedule modifications to prevent 24-hour call in the third trimester 
  • No overnight call in the third trimester (if not possible, overnight call to <6 shifts per month during the third trimester)
  • Schedule modifications to allow breaks during operating room cases and clinical responsibilities suggest limiting 
  • Family advocate/mentor for pregnant residents for navigating pregnancy and return to work

Family Leave

American Board of Surgery (ABS) Policies:

ABS General Surgery Training Requirements

  1. Time requirements for training: Needs to be completed by the end of August to be eligible for General Surgery Qualifying Exam 
  2. At least 48 weeks of full-time clinical activity in each residency year:
    – Average of     48 weeks in the first 3 years (total of 144 weeks)
    – Average of 48 weeks in the last 2 years (total of 96 weeks)
    – Other 4 weeks in each residency year can be used for vacation
  3. Role of chief resident in general surgery for a minimum of 48 weeks (over PGY4-5) 
  4. Chief rotations in PGY4 year require prior approval

ABS General Surgery Leave Policy and Considerations on Workplace Support of Pregnant Surgeons

Definition of Family Leave: Care for a new child, whether for the birth, the adoption, or placement of a child in foster care; to care for a seriously ill family member (partner, child, or parent); to grieve the loss of a family member (partner, child, or parent); or to recover from the resident’s own serious illness. 

  • Documented Family Leave:
    • Additional 4 weeks off during the first three years (total of 140 weeks) 
    • Additional 4 weeks off during the last two years (total of 92 weeks) 
    • Still required to have minimum of 48 weeks of Chief Resident rotations
  • Additional Leave Options:
    • Averaging: 48 weeks can be averaged over the first 3 years and over the last 2 years 
    • Extending Chief Year (needs advance approval) 

Lactation

 

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