Newsletter November 2023: Balancing Medical Training and Pregnancy - A Journey of Determination

Barbara Kabon¹, Joana Berger-Estilita^2,3,4, Marko Zdravkovic^5,6, Olivia Dow⁷ and Federico Bilotta⁸,
on behalf of the NASC representatives of the ESAIC

Becoming an anaesthetist is a demanding and challenging journey, marked by extensive study, hands-on training, and a profound commitment to ensuring patient well-being in high-pressure settings such as operating rooms and intensive care units. This path requires unwavering dedication, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to stay composed under immense pressure. For many, it becomes a central part of their identity. 

However, what happens when this demanding medical training intersects with the profound journey of pregnancy and parenthood? This intersection can be both beautiful and demanding for anaesthetists during their residencies, marked by a blend of excitement and uncertainty. 

Announcing a Pioneering Survey: Understanding Pregnancy and Anaesthesia 

In the ever-evolving healthcare landscape, there are still uncharted territories, areas where knowledge is limited, and experiences are diverse. One area is the intersection of pregnancy and the demanding field of anaesthesia and intensive care medicine. Anaesthetists and intensivists embark on this journey with unique challenges and uncertainties. To bridge the gap in our understanding and pave the way for positive change, we are thrilled to announce an ESAIC-supported survey on “Pregnancy and Anaesthesia.” 

Why This Survey Matters 

Residency is an intense and demanding period in any physician’s life, affecting both men and women. The long hours, gruelling rotations, and the weight of immense responsibilities can be all-consuming. Pregnancy introduces unique challenges for both genders when it becomes part of the picture. 

Anaesthetists, regardless of gender, are intimately familiar with the physical demands of their profession. Standing for extended periods, wearing protective gear, and being on-call can be taxing. These demands can become even more challenging during pregnancy, leading to fatigue and discomfort. The operating room environment often involves radiation exposure, which understandably raises concerns for pregnant anaesthetists. Taking precautions and carefully managing exposure adds another layer of complexity to their already demanding roles. 

On the other hand, strong local regulations and obligatory removal from clinical work might result in a significant interruption and extension of the training period and a delay of professional development and career setbacks, affecting both men and women. 

Residency is notorious for its demanding schedule, and pregnancy necessitates a delicate balance between work and self-care. Striking this equilibrium can be daunting, as the medical profession and pregnancy demand unwavering attention and care. The emotional toll of residency can be significant, and pregnancy introduces its own emotions. Navigating this emotional landscape while managing high-stress situations requires remarkable resilience and support for all individuals involved. 

Navigating the Journey 

Despite the apparent challenges, many anaesthetists, regardless of gender, embark on this complex journey with grace, determination, and resilience. They find ways to adapt, overcome obstacles, and thrive in their medical careers and the pregnancy journey. 

• Building a strong support system is essential for both men and women. This includes colleagues who understand the unique demands of the profession and pregnancy, mentors who can offer guidance, friends who provide emotional support, and family members who offer love and assistance.
• Clear and open communication with supervisors and colleagues is crucial for both genders. Discussing their needs and concerns ensures that necessary adjustments can be made to accommodate their pregnancy while allowing them to fulfil their professional responsibilities.
• Understanding and adhering to safety protocols is vital for managing radiation exposure. Anaesthetists are well-versed in safety measures and must ensure they are rigorously followed during pregnancy.
• Implementing high standards in scavenging and ventilation and using well-designed anaesthetic equipment and modern anaesthetic techniques are essential to minimise the potential risk of exposure to anaesthetic drugs and infection. Creating a safe workspace is of utmost importance to allow ongoing training and clinical work.
• Pregnancy is a time when self-care becomes paramount for both men and women. The expectant parents must prioritise rest, nutrition, and emotional well-being. During a pregnancy, the other partner is vital in providing support and actively participating in the pregnancy journey. Finding moments of respite during demanding schedules can significantly contribute to their well-being.

Your Insights, Our Progress 

Your participation in this survey is not merely an act of sharing personal experiences; it is a significant step toward influencing policies and practices that can significantly enhance the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals and their patients, regardless of gender. 

• Identifying Challenges: Through your responses, we aim to pinpoint the specific challenges anaesthetists and intensivists face during pregnancy, irrespective of gender. Whether it’s the job’s physical demands, concerns about occupational exposure, or career management, your insights will help identify areas where improvements are most needed.
• Fostering Supportive Work Environments: No healthcare professional should feel isolated or unsupported during pregnancy, regardless of gender. Your shared experiences can illuminate the need for better support systems within healthcare institutions. Your insights can drive the creation of programs and resources that cater to the well-being of pregnant anaesthetists and intensivists, regardless of their gender.
• Empowering Choices: Pregnancy often necessitates crucial decisions about work arrangements, such as adjusting hours, responsibilities, and clinical settings. Your participation in this survey will empower future generations of healthcare professionals, irrespective of gender, to make informed decisions about their careers and pregnancies, ensuring they can achieve a harmonious balance.
• Advocating for Change: The collective data from this survey will serve as a potent advocacy tool. When presented to medical associations, institutions, and policymakers, it will carry the weight of collective experiences and voices, making a compelling case for positive change in the healthcare industry, benefitting both men and women.

Role of Men 

Pregnancy planning and childcare are moving from traditional views to a more inclusive role for both parents, which is demonstrated by developments in European countries, such as the enhancement of paternity leave. Many questions remain concerning the experience of men working in anaesthesia and intensive medicine in terms of balancing professional life with planning their families. Uniquely designed questions allow for data gathering on experiences and perceptions of men and women regarding working conditions during pregnancy in anaesthesia and intensive medicine. 

Share your Experience 

Your voice matters, and your experiences are invaluable. By participating in this survey, you join a movement to improve healthcare professionals’ lives, regardless of gender and the quality of care they provide. Your insights can inspire change and create a brighter future for both healthcare workers and our patients. 

Ready to Make a Difference? 

Click here to participate in the survey: https://lnkd.in/dKR_4HtA 

Affiliations

1. Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care Medicine and Pain Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria. Electronic address: barbara.kabon@meduniwien.ac.at. 
2. Institute for Medical Education, University of Bern, Mittelstrasse 43, 3012 Bern, Switzerland, joanamberger@gmail.com 
3. Institute of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Salemspital, Hirslanden Medical Group, Schänzlistrasse 39, 3013 Bern, Switzerland 
4. CINTESIS, Centre for Health Technology and Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, s/n 4200-450, Porto, Portugal. 
5. Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Management, University Medical Centre Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia; @MZanaesthetist 
6. Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia 
7. Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Anaesthetic department, London, Uni, ted Kingdom, o.dow@nhs.net 
8. Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University of Rome, Rome, Italy