Surgical Residents’ Experience With a Perinatal Resident Policy: A Qualitative Study

Introduction

In response to increased risk of poor obstetric outcomes in surgical residents, a perinatal resident policy was introduced in 2019 at a single, high-volume academic institution, providing schedule adjustments during the third trimester and up to 12 wk of parental leave. The objective was to evaluate surgical residents’ experiences and perceptions after implementation of a perinatal resident policy.

Methods

This qualitative study and analysis was performed from August 2023 to January 2024. Interpretive description was applied to analyze the data. Surgical residents at a single, high-volume academic institution who were at least in their second postgraduate year were eligible to participate. Participants shared their experience with a perinatal resident policy and how the policy was used in a surgical residency.

Results

A total of 19/50 eligible (38% response rate) surgical residents (median age: 31, 13 (68%) females, and 5 (26%) with children) were interviewed. Three main themes included (1) tension between leave allowed for board certification versus institutional policy, (2) tension of allowing flexibility in the zero-sum system of residency, and (3) tension between putting oneself first with surgical professional norms. Despite these challenges, residents were supportive of the policy and felt that surgical culture overall benefitted from such policies.

Conclusions

This qualitative study found that despite challenges, surgical residents were in support of pregnancy accommodations and parental leave. Although further efforts to overcome barriers to perinatal support are necessary, more programs could consider ways to implement family friendly policies.