Desire for Residency-Provided Education and Support for Fertility Concerns: An Institutional Survey

Abstract

Introduction: Medical careers increase infertility risks and pregnancy complications. Residents often postpone pregnancy, contributing to these risks. Limited data exist regarding residents' family planning concerns. This study aims to evaluate fertility concerns and family planning during residency via a survey of residents and attending physicians.

Methods: Anonymous online surveys were distributed to all residents (n = 1030) and attending physicians (n = 1111) at a large, urban, single-campus academic hospital center. Data analysis was performed using chi-square analysis with significance at P < 0.05.

Results: Two hundred nine residents and 111 attendings submitted responses. Most respondents were female (74.7%). Slightly more than one-quarter of respondents were from a surgical specialty (26.6%). Residents compared to attending physicians indicated a higher concern for infertility during (57.4% versus 38.3%, P = 0.006) and after residency (68.9% versus 51.9%, P = 0.011) and a greater concern about pregnancy complications (67.8% versus 38.0%, P < 0.001). Most respondents felt pregnancy could negatively affect their training (67.3%). Surgical respondents were more concerned about the negative effects on colleagues (68.8% versus 51.1%, P = 0.045). Residents considered oocyte preservation more (57.9% versus 20.3%, P < 0.001). Respondents in surgical specialties had more concerns for fertility after residency (72.6% versus 57.9%, P = 0.033). Those in surgical fields trended for consideration of oocyte preservation (53.4% versus 39.7%, P = 0.084). Most respondents reported a need for education on oocyte preservation during residency (94.5%).

Conclusions: Residents have increasing concerns about fertility and family planning related to their training. In addition to more institutional and residency program support, residents desire dedicated fertility and family planning education, such as oocyte preservation, as part of their curriculum.

Keywords: Medical education; Medical training; Oocyte preservation; Physician fertility concerns; Resident family planning; Resident fertility concerns; Resident physicians.