Family Planning Trends in Vascular Surgery Trainees

Family planning plays an important aspect of wellness in surgical training since most residents are in their childbearing years. However, vascular surgery trainees who plan to start a family during training face many challenges. This study is the first of its kind aiming to analyze trends in family planning in vascular surgery trainees in the United States. A cross-sectional 25-question survey on family planning and fertility preservation was distributed to current vascular surgery trainees in both 0+5 residency programs and 5+2 fellowship programs. Data were collected from the survey results and analyzed. The survey was completed by 70 vascular trainees, 81.2% of respondents were in an integrated vascular surgery residency. Of the respondents, 75.7% were between the ages of 28 and 34, 55.9% were male, 43.5% were married, and 71% did not have any children. However, 85.5% are interested in having children and 43.9% were interested in having children during residency/fellowship. A large majority of respondents have never had a lecture or discussion on parental leave policies or family planning (88.6%), and they believe there is benefit in having a lecture of this kind (86.1%). Most of the trainees believe it is important to have fertility preservation discussions as well (80.5%). In addition, 72.9% state their education/career plans will influence their decision on when to start a family. Respondents stated some of the biggest challenges faced regarding family leave policies in residency/fellowship included the social stigma of taking time off (76.8%) and increasing the work load of coworkers (76.8%). Vascular surgery training may negatively affect trainees' fertility and wellness. There is inconsistent support and lack of uniformity in family planning and parental leave in vascular surgery training programs. Fertility preservation through assisted reproductive technology has a positive role in family planning in surgical training. However, it is not discussed in medical school or in advanced training. The data collected may help us to understand issues surrounding family planning and to potentially create solutions.