SP11. Fertility Preservation and Treatment Coverage Among United States Plastic Surgery Trainees

PURPOSE: Physicians face unique challenges with family planning and fertility, given the rigorous demands of medical training often fall during peak reproductive years. Many trainees are often forced to make the decision to delay childbearing. In addition, institutional support for fertility treatment and preservation - counseling, education, and insurance coverage - is lacking in surgical training programs. This study sought to assess the awareness and desire for fertility preservation services for plastic surgery trainees in the United States, and the institutional coverage of fertility preservation and treatment services in this cohort. METHODS: An ACEPS-approved survey was distributed to all US plastic surgery residents and fellows via email. The survey included 25 questions and assessed respondents’ current or future plans for childbearing, reasons for postponing childbearing, education of and attitude towards oocyte freezing, financial ability to pursue oocyte freezing, and perceived training program attitude towards childbearing. RESULTS: A total of 117 responses were received, including 78 (67%) integrated plastic surgery residents, 3 (3%) independent plastic surgery fellows, and 36 (30%) attending surgeons or fellows after completing plastic surgery training. 88 (77%) of respondents were female. 77 (66%) of respondents reported that they felt the need to postpone pregnancy due to residency, citing residency schedules too demanding, limited parental leave, and concern for availability of child care as the highest reported reasons for postponing childbearing. 56 (47%) reported they would consider freezing oocytes to preserve fertility, another 19 (16%) identifying as male but reported they would consider discussing oocyte freezing with a female partner. 103 (89%) of respondents had not received education during training regarding oocyte freezing to preserve fertility and postpone pregnancy. 21 (18%) reported that fertility preservation was offered through the insurance provided by their training program. 65 (56%) reported that they would pursue fertility preservation if covered by insurance. CONCLUSION: US plastic surgery trainees often postpone having children due to the demands of their training. This delay raises the risk of infertility and pregnancy complications. While fertility preservation and treatments would benefit this group, there is a lack of education and access to these options. Our goal is to raise awareness and highlight the urgent need for improved, affordable access to fertility preservation and treatment for plastic surgery trainees.