1304 Pregnancy and Motherhood in Neurosurgery Residency Training and Beyond

INTRODUCTION: With the increasing number of women pursuing a career in neurosurgery, it is important to understand the how pregnancy and child rearing impacts the various stages of training and career, both personally and professionally. METHODS: A voluntary anonymous 85-question survey was electronically distributed to women in neurosurgery who were pregnant during their residency training, fellowship, and/or attending years. The survey was sent to 311 women at all stages of professional development in neurosurgery, regardless of pregnancy status. RESULTS: Eighty-five eligible female residents, fellows, and attendings responded to the survey. Among those who were pregnant during residency (55%), 60% felt pressured to plan their pregnancy during their research years. Most (72%) respondents were concerned that their work schedule adversely affected their health or the health of their unborn child, and adverse events during pregnancy were experienced by 46% of participants. Nearly a third of women experienced at least one miscarriage – half of which occurred during residency. A majority of residents (92%) stated coresidents and/or attendings would resent them for asking to do shorter cases during pregnancy, and 66% witnessed negative comments about other pregnant residents during training. One in three women witnessed a colleague make a derogatory comment about breastfeeding or pumping, and accommodations permitting time to pump during the workday was reported in 54% of respondents. One in 4 women would choose another career more accommodating of parenthood than neurosurgery, and 41% would discourage female medical students from pursuing neurosurgery. CONCLUSIONS: Women in neurosurgery face significant challenges with balancing their career with pregnancy. It is imperative to understand these barriers in order to implement changes to the field both systematically and socially, and thereby improve the recruitment and success of women in neurosurgery.