Celebrating the unseen benefits of surgical careers for mothers in cardiothoracic surgery

Abstract

Background

While careers in cardiothoracic (CT) surgery can enrich home life, emphasis is often placed on potential negative impacts on surgeons’ families, particularly when surgeons are mothers. We aimed to elucidate the beneficial impacts on family dynamics for female cardiothoracic surgeons.

Methods

A survey was designed and disseminated electronically to partners/spouses, coparents, and adult children of female cardiothoracic surgeons. Participants answered questions regarding the impacts of their career on their lives and relationships. Results were analyzed descriptively.

Results

A total of 71 participants completed the survey, comprising 43 spouse (60.6%), 12 partners (16.9%), 4 other co-parents (5.6%), and 12 adult children (16.9%). All 35 coparents (100%) felt that CT surgeon-mothers’ careers contributed to their children's development of essential life skills. Reported benefits included instilling discipline, time management, problem-solving abilities, independence, and grit and inspiring the children to consider their own careers in medicine. Partners/spouses noted other positive impacts on their family: 81% (26 of 32) felt pride, 89% (25 of 28) affirmed positive impacts on lifestyle related to income, and 92% (25 of 27) appreciated access to medical guidance. Adult children highlighted strong financial foundations and opportunities for personal growth. Notably, 88.8% of adult children (8 of 9) described relationships with their CT surgeon-mothers as supportive.

Conclusions

We identified underreported benefits to families of female CT surgeons, dispelling negative stereotypes associated with this specialty. These findings emphasize to future trainees that not only are they wanted and needed in this field, but also that their families and relationships stand to flourish from the numerous benefits afforded by this incredibly rewarding career.