Guidance to mitigate occupational risks for the pregnant vascular surgery trainee

Abstract

Increasing diversity among vascular surgeons and trainees has introduced a growing number of female trainees in vascular surgery, which necessitates the creation of guidelines that both support and protect those wishing to pursue family planning during training. The expectations of long work hours, clinical responsibilities, and radiation exposure associated with surgical training place pregnant trainees at increased risk for complications. These include intrauterine growth restriction, premature delivery, and postpartum depression. It is therefore important to establish guidelines that address the specific risks of training in vascular surgery to prioritize the health and well-being of pregnant trainees. Existing literature and recommendations surrounding support and protections for the pregnant individual and guidelines created for trainees desiring to start a family within other medical societies were reviewed and used to form the foundation for relevant recommendations to guide program directors in vascular surgery. While considering vascular surgery trainees’ unique risks and demands, guidance surrounding radiation exposure, clinical responsibilities, parental leave, and culture paradigms is described to establish minimum recommendations for training programs. Strategies to incorporate a culture of support to protect trainees are necessary to both recruit and retain talent within the field. Integration of this guidance into training programs is a crucial first step toward more successful recruitment of female talent and prevention of burnout and subsequently leading toward successful retention and satisfaction within the specialty.