The Landscape of Childcare Resources Among Surgeons in the United States: A Qualitative Examination

Background:. Limited childcare resources provided by healthcare institutions and the related financial burden may be correlated with work-family conflict experienced by surgeons. This study assessed unmet childcare needs based on resources available to surgical trainees and attendings across multiple subspecialties nationally. Methods:. We conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study using semistructured interviews to explore surgeons’ perspectives on the interplay between parenthood and surgical practice. Interviews focused on topics including support systems, patient care, team dynamics, emotional resilience, and family impact. Guided by phenomenological principles and thematic analysis, team members independently reviewed and coded each transcript. Coding discrepancies were resolved through consensus discussions, ensuring that participants' experiences were accurately represented. Results:. The sample (n = 51) included female and male trainees and attendings with and without children. A total of 47.1% of respondents indicated unmet childcare needs, with most citing a lack of on-site and emergency childcare. No men and 58% of women relied solely on daycare and/or nannies. More than twice as many men as women (67% versus 25%) relied solely on family/spouse, whereas 33% of men and 17% of women relied on a combination of paid childcare and family/spousal support. Most trainees reported educational disruption due to inadequate childcare support. Most participants reported that lack of childcare created conflict between career and family goals. Conclusions:. Inadequate childcare resources represent a systemic issue affecting parents at all levels of training. Solutions may include subsidized, on-site childcare, with hours suited to surgeons’ schedules, partnerships with local childcare centers, and family-friendly workplace policies.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND

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