Surgical Career Lifestyle Issues

[PrincessFiona]

https://www.facs.org/education/resou...ents/lifestyle

Thought it was interesting that the American College of Surgeons has this little disclaimer.

It offers that 60% of female surgeons are married and 40% have children. It also says "Most surgeons are able to hire out activities (such as house cleaning or yard work) they do not have time to pursue. Most women surgeons have in-home child care for their children."

At least they're honest. I wonder how many male surgeons are married/have children....

Kris

[TulipsAndSunscreen]

I feel like all of that applies to working women in time-intensive careers anywhere. Every working mom at my office has a nanny. EVERY SINGLE ONE. No one can do daycare with our hours.

[Sheherezade]

Agreed. I think we are headed to careers that require you to be available 24/7 (and thus have a nanny) in exchange for more money, and jobs that pay poorly but have predictable hours.

It's a sad situation for family life.


Angie

[ides]

From my limited experience most men surgeons are married or divorced or remarried. Most of those have kids too. They don't usually have time for the kids (to be an involved parent).

[alotofyarn]

It's really sad. And it makes me even more thankful for my job that allows me to have both. Sure, I'll never make the kind of money that surgeons make, but I do well enough to support us now and pay for some of the hired activities that we don't necessarily need but appreciate.

[niener]

Agreed. I think we are headed to careers that require you to be available 24/7 (and thus have a nanny) in exchange for more money, and jobs that pay poorly but have predictable hours.

It's a sad situation for family life.


Angie

Yep. It's really, really sad. And the comments I've heard people (in particular male attendings) make about female surgery residents' potential for "screwing everything up" by having babies during pregnancy can get pretty despicable. During the years of life when many women would be most likely to have children (med school/residency), often times they're actively discouraged from doing so.

I'd be curious to know the stats for male surgeons as well. I'd be surprised if it's far off from the general population.