To investigate the prevalence of obstetric complications among female surgeons compared to their childbearing partners and assess the impact of workplace support.
Key Findings:
31% of female surgeons reported obstetric complications (e.g., placental insufficiency, placenta previa) compared to 23% of partners of male surgeons.
Female surgeons had 1.34 times the risk of complications, which was not statistically significant after adjusting for workplace support.
Over 50% of respondents reported a lack of workplace support, with 64% of female surgeons affected.
A lack of workplace support was associated with 1.58 times the risk of obstetric complications.
Multiple gestation was associated with approximately six to seven times the risk of complications.
Interpretation:
Obstetric complications among female surgeons may be linked to modifiable work conditions rather than inherent differences, highlighting the need for improved workplace support and addressing cultural norms.
Limitations:
9.5% response rate may limit generalizability and impact the reliability of findings.
Improving workplace support and addressing cultural norms could mitigate obstetric complications in female surgeons, emphasizing the need for systemic changes.
Burnout is easing. Sleep science is getting weird. And dental schools have been winging cadaver training for 50 years. This week's research is full of good news that immediately complicates itself.
