It Takes a Village-Association of Women Surgeons' Comprehensive Initiative for Healthy Surgical Families for Practicing Surgeons.

Abstract

Importance The Association of Women Surgeons is committed to supporting surgical families for practicing surgeons and developing equitable family-friendly guidelines, including support for adequate paid family leave, access to childcare, breastfeeding support, and insurance coverage of fertility preservation and assisted reproductive technology. Observations Practicing female surgeons often face additional challenges in work-life integration related to family planning, pregnancy, and lactation. Conclusions and Relevance The specific recommendations outlined in this document form the basis of a comprehensive initiative for supporting surgical families for practicing female surgeons.