Family Planning Experiences and Challenges of Mohs Fellowship Trainees

Abstract

BACKGROUND There is a paucity of literature describing family planning challenges faced by Mohs fellows. OBJECTIVE To characterize perceptions about and experiences with family planning, fertility, lactation, and parental leave and identify ways to support parental health and family planning for Mohs fellows. MATERIALS AND METHODS A voluntary, anonymous survey was distributed to Mohs surgeons who recently completed fellowship. RESULTS In total, 116 Mohs surgeons completed the survey. Their mean age was 34.5 years old, and more were female (n = 81, 69.8%) than male (n = 35, 30.2%). Most had children before completion of their Mohs training (n = 73, 62.9%). The most significant barrier to having children during fellowship was “loss of education or training time.” Over 20% (n = 23) of respondents or their partner had experienced infertility. Half of the 20 respondents (n = 10) who breastfed or pumped did not have a convenient place to do so. CONCLUSION This study elucidates trainee perceptions and gaps in parental support for Mohs fellowship trainees. In addition, barriers to implementing a universal family planning policy in Mohs surgery are discussed.