The medical profession’s apprenticeship is notoriously grueling. The MCAT, years of costly schooling, residencies where it’s not uncommon to work 80 hours a week all await those considering a doctor’s career. It would strain the physical and mental limits of most anyone. But for women, there has been an additional consequence attributed to the routine: infertility.
This was spelled out in a recent New York Times article, where it was reported that female physicians have infertility rates twice the national average. Similar numbers were reported for surgeons. For doctors-in-training, massive loan debt pushes financial independence further down the road, often to the point at which it affects their ability to bear children. Many also reported a variety of pregnancy-related complications, such as early labor and miscarriage, which can be linked to the long hours, poor diet and stress of medical training.
Additionally, for those who do choose to have children during residency or early in their careers, there are myriad other issues, including being passed over for fellowships and opportunities or having to choose between career and family.
With more light being shed on this issue, as well as a steady increase in the number of women entering the medical profession, this is an issue that will only increase and it highlights important issues at the forefront of employment law and pregnancy. Reducing student loan burdens and expanding early childcare coverage, for instance, will help ensure that women don’t have to choose between career and family.
