SA2 - Fertility, Family Planning and Career Decisions Among Female OMFS

Abstract: Balancing the demands of a career in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) with the responsibilities of family life presents challenges for practitioners in this specialty. This abstract provides an examination of the interplay between career decisions and family planning among female OMFS professionals. Through a synthesis of quantitative data and qualitative insights from both career development and family planning disciplines, this study illuminates factors shaping the career trajectories and family dynamics of female OMFS practitioners.

One questionnaire survey was sent to members of AAOMS within the USA utilizing the Qualtrics XM software. 7,622 surveys were sent and of these 4,224 were acknowledged to some capacity (i.e.: email opened, survey started but expired, or survey completed) with 576 survey completions. Data analysis was performed utilizing descriptive statistics and qualitative analysis with comparison of resultant responses.

Out of 576 respondents, 132 were female, predominantly aged 26-35 (39%) and Caucasian (69%), with less than five years in practice (27%). 82% were married/partnered, with most partners working full-time (72%) outside healthcare. Regarding family planning, 63% of respondents found that having a supportive partner was a positive factor that influenced family planning. Conversely, 63% found long work hours / heavy workload and 52% agreed that concern for fertility/"biological clock" were negative factors that influenced family planning. 65% of respondents felt that their education / career plans extremely influenced their decision of timing of when (or if) to start a family. However, 61% reported family planning did not influence career decisions regarding specialty, subspecialty, and academic versus private practice. 70 women (55%) gave birth, with 45 conceiving at ages 31-35. 46 had their first child within one to five years of practice. 62 (51%) had fertility concerns, with 38 seeking specialist help. 62% of those who had fertility issues did not feel stigmatized for having these issues nor has led the majority (72%) to depression or affected work life (68%). However, 43% found no support from their program during fertility treatment.

The results of our study shed light on the intricate balance female OMFS practitioners must strike between their professional pursuits and family aspirations. The influence of career decisions on family planning was evident, with factors such as having a supportive partner and concerns about long work hours and fertility impacting the timing of starting a family. Interestingly, while education and career plans heavily influenced the decision on family planning timing, the majority felt family planning did not sway decisions regarding specialty, subspecialty, or practice setting. Regarding fertility experiences, a substantial number of respondents faced challenges, with over half expressing concerns about their fertility. Despite these challenges, most did not feel stigmatized, and fertility issues didn't significantly impact their mental health or work life. However, there was a notable lack of support from their OMFS programs during fertility treatments, indicating a gap in institutional support for practitioners navigating both career and family aspirations.

Our study highlights the complex interplay between career aspirations, family planning, and fertility experiences among female OMFS practitioners. Previous literature on family planning agrees there are challenges in fertility and family planning amongst female surgeons. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive support systems within both professional and personal spheres to ensure the well-being and success of practitioners along with minimizing the influence career choice has on family planning.

Lee, Anna et al. “Family Planning, Fertility, and Career Decisions Among Female Oncologists.” JAMA network open vol. 5,10 e2237558. 3 Oct. 2022
Naismith, Kendra et al. “Canadian women in otolaryngology: head and neck surgery part 2-challenges in family planning, fertility, and lactation.” Journal of otolaryngology - head & neck surgery vol. 52,1 39. 23 May. 2023